Fruit of the Spirit- Goodness… A deeper look
pt. 6 of 9
At this point in our study on "the fruit of the Spirit", we are examining those graces which relate especially to how we relate with our fellow man…
Longsuffering is defined as "that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish." in essence, patients. Kindness is defined as "the sympathetic sweetness of temper which puts others at their ease, and avoids causing pain” And now we come to Goodness
This particular fruit is perhaps the most difficult to define, because it is so general in nature. We may say things like “he's a good guy/gal” or “we had a good time today” But good in what way? Exactly what does that mean? The context you use it in defines the tense .The problem with its use in Galatians 5, is that there is little in the context to guide us.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. *
Goodness is virtue and holiness in action. It results in a life characterized by deeds motivated by righteousness and a desire to be a blessing. It's a moral characteristic of a Spirit-filled person. The Greek word translated “goodness,” agathosune, (Uh-gath-o-soon) is defined as "uprightness of heart and life." Agathosune is goodness for the benefit of others, not goodness simply for the sake of being virtuous.
Someone with agathosune will selflessly act on behalf of others. Confronting someone about a sin in their life demonstrates goodness. So, do giving to the poor, providing for one’s children, visiting the sick, volunteering to clean up after a disaster, and praying for an enemy. Expressions of goodness are as varied as the Spirit is creative...And He does get creative!!
Remember, Goodness is not a quality we can manufacture on our own.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. *
This certainly includes a life characterized by goodness. In letting the Holy Spirit control us, we are blessed with the fruit of goodness. As others see our good works, they will praise our Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. *
Goodness is the fruit that virtue and the rest of characters combine to produce endearment. It is the character that makes people liked and even lovable by others. It is what is attractive and luring, that catches people's attention and respect. This is the main element that attracts people to you and finds and keeps friends. It builds marriages and shows God's love to others around us. It is virtue in action; it is being a role model and putting into practice excellence in all that we do to God and others. Goodness enables us to be liked and enjoyed, even if an enemy comes against us.
Proverbs 25:21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. *
It is the taste of what is to come, the way we are to be to one another at all times.
Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! * Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! *
This is our expression of worship and gratitude to Christ played out in our lives, so we can enjoy Him and He can enjoy us, and so that life can be more enjoyable for all.
Why are we to be good? Because God is good to us!!
Psalm 86:5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
Psalm 145:4-13 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will
meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.] * Goodness is the application of love to others, whereas in the opposite of pride is a love... the only love we have and we often use it for only ourselves!
Proverbs 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.
Proverbs 29:23 One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. * Being good will help us be patient, kind, understanding and forgiving to others. It will be the fruit that helps us build each other up, build His Church, reach His community and restore relationships and seek the best in all we do. It is excellence in action! It is what builds great societies and its absence causes those same societies to collapse into the dust!!
Remember; the fruits and character cost dearly, they are not cheap by and from the One who bought them for us, for our betterment and for His glory. We must not take for granted what Cost Him so much!
Prayer:
Almighty God, every good thing comes from you. Fill our hearts with love for You, and for others! increase our faith, and by Your constant care protect the good you have given us. Help it to grow and flourish, help us to be the example you gave! AMEN
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