Fruit of the Spirit - Goodness

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.

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