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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