Biblical Answer

Can I still be a good person?

The concept of goodness is complex and multifaceted. Some people argue that we can be good for the sake of goodness itself, regardless of personal feelings or consequences. This perspective suggests that we can perform kind actions without expecting reward or pleasure, simply because kindness is right. However, others argue that goodness is relative and subjective, and that our perception of what is good or bad changes as we grow wiser.

The Bible presents a nuanced view of human goodness. On one hand, it acknowledges that most people are good and that our good deeds can outweigh our bad ones (Matthew 5:48). The psalmist writes, "There is no one who does good, not even one" (Psalm 14:1-3), but this statement is not meant to be taken literally. Rather, it highlights the fact that our goodness is limited and imperfect, and that we are all in need of God's mercy and forgiveness. Ultimately, evil is a matter of the heart, and the apostle John writes, "He who hates his brother is a murderer" (1 John 3:15).

So, can you still be a good person? The answer is yes, but with a crucial caveat. Our goodness is not enough to save us or make us acceptable to God. We are all sinful and flawed, and we need God's grace and redemption to be truly good. The Bible teaches that we can be good, but only as we submit to God's will and live according to His standards. As the apostle Paul writes, "Thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted" (Romans 6:17). By acknowledging our limitations and imperfections, and by seeking God's help and guidance, we can strive to be good people, not for our own sake, but for God's glory.