Be the Good That Changes the Place You’re In
God notices righteousness, and even a small amount of goodness can matter more than you think.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the world sometimes. School drama, negativity online, disrespect, temptations—it can feel like you’re surrounded by things that are wrong. You might even wonder, “Does being good really make a difference?”
In Genesis 18, Abraham learns something powerful: the Lord looks for the righteous. When Abraham asks about Sodom and Gomorrah, he pleads for mercy. What would it take for the city to be spared? The Lord answers that He would spare the whole place if He could find righteous people there—first 50, then 45, then 40, and eventually even 10.
“If I find in Sodom fifty righteous… then I will spare all the place for their sakes.”
(Genesis 18:26)
That tells you a lot about God. He is just—but He is also merciful. He wants reasons to bless. He looks for the good. And He teaches us to do the same.
It’s human nature to spot what’s wrong first. But disciples of Jesus Christ learn to see differently—to look for what’s good, what’s growing, what’s redeemable. This doesn’t mean ignoring evil. Sometimes the Lord commands people to flee from it. But it does mean that our default focus shouldn’t be cynical or negative.
“With an eye focused on the Savior… because of Christ, it all works out.”
—Sister Tamara W. Runia
Seeing good changes us. It builds patience, forgiveness, and hope. It also helps you see goodness in yourself—especially on days when you’re tempted to believe you’re not enough.
And if you ever feel like you’re “only one person,” remember this: God was willing to spare a whole city for the sake of the righteous. Your goodness matters more than you think.
Reflection Question:
Where do you need to look for the good more—at school, at home, in yourself, or in someone else?
Small Application:
Today, write down three good things you notice: one about yourself, one about another person, and one about your life. Train your heart to see the way God sees.
