This
week we are on the sixth Fruit of the Spirit, which is goodness. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Gal. 5:22.
Goodness
or good means something has fulfilled its purpose or expectation. I think here in Galatians it’s talking about
doing good toward others. A truly good
person does whatever is necessary to right a wrong. Jesus is a good example of this. Goodness is love in action.
God is
good. He is good to us in spite of
everything we have said and done. He has
made us good not by our own efforts, but by what Jesus accomplished on the
cross. His goodness makes us want to do
good works.
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from
God. Anyone who does what is evil has
not seen God.” – 3 John 11. Goodness doesn’t mean you are perfect, but
rather that you reflect the integrity of God in you.
The
Christian is in a different position from other people who try to be good. They hope by being good, to please God, if
there is one - if they think there is not, they at least hope to deserve
approval from others. A Christian thinks
any good he does comes from being Christ-like inside himself. He doesn’t think God will love him just
because he is good, but that God will make him good because He loves him (C.S.
Lewis).
Use the
talents and gifts God has given you. You
can affect others with your gifts. Are
you a teacher, a musician, a writer? Maybe
you are good at encouraging others.
Maybe you have great compassion and love for your fellow man. If so, you will touch many lives. Put those talents to work and help others. Don’t be selfish.
What talents
and gifts has God given you?
How do
you use your talents and gifts to help others?
The
Lord’s goodness surrounds us every day, everywhere. Stop and recognize it and thank Him for it.
Next
time we will talk more about the characteristics of the fruit of the
Spirit. We still have faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control to cover.
Hope to see you here.
_______________________________________
If you
have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share
this post with the buttons below.
You can also join this site by clicking on the blue button at the top left "Join this site" or you can "Subscribe by Email". If you follow by email, you will receive an email every time there is a new post.
