“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
Similarly to last week’s post, when you look up the word goodness in the dictionary you will find that is also a noun, not an adjective or a verb. Again, this is something deep within us that we possess. Another gift of the Holy Spirit living in us. We are called to live a life that exemplifies goodness. Romans 14:16-18 says, “Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.” I really like how this one website defines goodness. It reads “Goodness is virtue and holiness in action.”https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-goodness.html
We have heard and read of the goodness of God, but what does that really mean? There is even a beautiful song about it by Cece Winans. When you have a second, click here and take a listen. Psalm 100:5 describes the goodness of God by saying “For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” God is the ultimate example of goodness. Throughout the Bible we see time after time how God showered his goodness over his people. He provided, loved, showed compassion, grace, and mercy when none of us deserved it. Time and time again He brought goodness upon his people. For those of us who choose to follow Him we must exemplify the goodness He bestows on us through the Holy Spirit.
How can we be goodness in a world that is so filled with evil? It’s not easy, but thankfully we have the gift of the Holy Spirit living in us and God’s word to guide us. We must live as Jesus did. He showed love and compassion to those less fortunate, the outcasts, the sick, and elderly. We must do the same. He didn’t care about the standards the world sets or what society deems as good, he pushed past the ridicule, judgements, and opinions of others to bring the goodness of God to all people. We have to remember the ultimate mission and calling that we as disciples must follow. If we do that, we are on the right track.
