40 Days Pondering the Fruit of the Spirit
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days PONDERING the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Day 7 | GOODNESS
40 Days PONDERING the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Day 7 | GOODNESS
GOODNESS
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, GOODNESS, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Goodness… (“agathosune” in Greek) appears only four times in the New Testament and seems to be only found in the Bible instead of secular Greek writings of the era. It means “intrinsic goodness” with an emphasis on the kindly. In that sense, the fruit of “kindness and goodness” are closely related.
Easton’s Bible Dictionary says, “Goodness in man is not a mere passive quality, but the deliberate preference of right to wrong, the firm and persistent resistance of all moral evil, and the choosing and following of all moral good.”
So, what does the spiritual fruit of “goodness” look like in real life? Is there a model to follow?
Yes, there is… and his name is Jesus.
Jesus spent over three years of his ministry going about and doing good. He cured the sick, restored sight to the blind, made the lame walk, fed the hungry, and more.
Granted, you and I are not GOD like Jesus was, so there will be limits on what we can accomplish. Nonetheless, THINK about all the people around you who could use, for example, a word of encouragement. Maybe they’re going through a tough time. Perhaps you could encourage them by asking them, “Would it be alright if I prayed for you?” I have found VERY few who would turn that down. That’s being good.
Maybe an older person nearby needs help getting groceries inside. Perhaps someone needs a ride to the doctor. Maybe someone needs their dog looked after when they go on a trip. There are unlimited ways to show “goodness” to those around you.
SEEK, and you will find.
Prayer: Lord, I need to have my eyes opened to those who could use a little act of goodness. Open my eyes, Lord, and then give me the words to say. Amen.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, GOODNESS, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Goodness… (“agathosune” in Greek) appears only four times in the New Testament and seems to be only found in the Bible instead of secular Greek writings of the era. It means “intrinsic goodness” with an emphasis on the kindly. In that sense, the fruit of “kindness and goodness” are closely related.
Easton’s Bible Dictionary says, “Goodness in man is not a mere passive quality, but the deliberate preference of right to wrong, the firm and persistent resistance of all moral evil, and the choosing and following of all moral good.”
So, what does the spiritual fruit of “goodness” look like in real life? Is there a model to follow?
Yes, there is… and his name is Jesus.
Jesus spent over three years of his ministry going about and doing good. He cured the sick, restored sight to the blind, made the lame walk, fed the hungry, and more.
Granted, you and I are not GOD like Jesus was, so there will be limits on what we can accomplish. Nonetheless, THINK about all the people around you who could use, for example, a word of encouragement. Maybe they’re going through a tough time. Perhaps you could encourage them by asking them, “Would it be alright if I prayed for you?” I have found VERY few who would turn that down. That’s being good.
Maybe an older person nearby needs help getting groceries inside. Perhaps someone needs a ride to the doctor. Maybe someone needs their dog looked after when they go on a trip. There are unlimited ways to show “goodness” to those around you.
SEEK, and you will find.
Prayer: Lord, I need to have my eyes opened to those who could use a little act of goodness. Open my eyes, Lord, and then give me the words to say. Amen.