The Goodness of Creation: A Reflection on Genesis 1:31
"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." - Genesis 1:31

Genesis 1:31 (KJV) states, "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." This verse concludes the majestic account of creation, a narrative that not only highlights the power and creativity of God but also invites us to reflect upon the inherent goodness of His creation, including ourselves.
The phrase "God saw every thing that he had made" gives us insight into the intimate relationship between the Creator and creation. The act of seeing denotes attention, appreciation, and acknowledgment. God did not hurriedly create and leave; rather, He paused to evaluate His handiwork. In contrast to a detached creator who might overlook the details, our God is deeply involved and actively engaged in the world He made. This should be a balm for our souls when we feel forgotten or insignificant—God sees us. Every part of creation, from the grandest galaxies to the smallest microbes, has been attended to by Him, which signifies each thing's importance in His overarching plan.
When Scripture states, "and, behold, it was very good," we are reminded that God’s evaluation transcends mere satisfaction or contentment—it is an affirmation of goodness. The repetition of “very good” underscores a moral and aesthetic quality that defines God’s creation. This goodness does not exist in a vacuum; it is relational and holistic. It brings to mind that our world, despite its brokenness and sinfulness, was originally designed to reflect God’s light and love.
The goodness of creation invites us into a profound understanding of our identity. As creatures made in the image of a good Creator, we are called to reflect that goodness in our lives. Just as God looked upon His creation with approval, we too can look upon ourselves with an understanding of inherent worth, molded by divine hands. Our worth isn't measured by productivity or societal standards but is rooted in the fact that we are God’s creation—crafted with purpose, love, and intentionality.
As we meditate on the conclusions of creation, we should also note the rhythm that follows: “And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” This speaks to the rhythm of time and life that God established. Even within this glorious account, we find a pattern of rest and renewal. After six days of work, marked by divine declarations of goodness, we see God calling for a cessation. This is a vital lesson for us today—it teaches us that work is good, yet it is essential to rest and reflect. The goodness of creation is not sustained merely through our labor but through our ability to pause and recognize God’s hand in all things.
In our contemporary context, where chaos and uncertainty often reign, we are called to remember the goodness of God’s creation and to actively cultivate that goodness in our lives. We are stewards of this creation, endowed with the responsibility to care for it, to bring forth its goodness, to celebrate its beauty, and to share its splendor with others. In doing so, we echo God’s declarations, bringing forth love, kindness, and compassion in an often harsh world.
As you go about your day, take moments to behold the beauty that surrounds you—the laughter of a child, the colors of a sunset, the kindness of a stranger. Let your heart be reminded that all of it was deemed "very good" by the Creator. In each mundane moment lies a reminder of God’s artistry and care, awakening in us gratitude and a longing to mirror that goodness in our words and deeds.
Let us then conclude in prayer: "Father, thank You for seeing us and for declaring us good. Help us to see the world through Your eyes, to appreciate the beauty of Your creation around us, and to reflect Your goodness in our lives. Teach us to rest in You, remembering that we are not just products of creation but cherished beings with purpose. Amen."
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Genesis 1:31 - "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day."
"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." - Genesis 1:31
Genesis 31:35
Genesis 21-31
Genesis 18-31
Genesis 19-31
Genesis 24-31
Genesis 31:1 - "And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory."
Genesis 31:22 - "And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled."
Genesis 31:45 - "And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar."
Genesis 31:47 - "And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed."
Genesis 31:31 - "And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me."
Genesis 34:31 - "And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?"
Genesis 25:31 - "And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright."
Genesis 31:2 - "And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before."
Genesis 31:4 - "And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,"
Genesis 37:31 - "And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;"
Genesis 42:31 - "And we said unto him, We are true men; we are no spies:"
Genesis 10:31 - "These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations."
Genesis 21:31 - "Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them."
Genesis 41:31 - "And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous."
Genesis 31:17 - "¶ Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;"
Genesis 31:6 - "And ye know that with all my power I have served your father."
Genesis 31:9 - "Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me."
Genesis 5:31 - "And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died."
Genesis 31:20 - "And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled."
Genesis 36:31 - "¶ And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel."
Genesis 43:31 - "And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread."
Genesis 29:31 - "¶ And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren."
Genesis 31:48 - "And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;"