32 Goodness

Goodness​

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

Paul’s letter to the Galatians identifies goodness as a fruit of the Spirit. Being good is one manifestation that the Lord is active, living, and working in your life.

As a child, the words “be good”, meant obeying the household rules, the community laws, and the Ten Commandments.

But, goodness goes beyond obedience. It is the quality of being consistently upright and pure, escaping “...the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:4 NIV). This quality requires you to keep your eyes and your mind fixed on Jesus, abstaining from all appearances of evil.

In Philippians 4:8 NIV, Paul encourages each of us to think on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, and worthy of praise. The Lord says in Jeremiah 6:16 NIV, “…ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Be vigilant each day in finding ways to be a blessing to those around you.

Make a commitment today to seek God’s guidance through prayer and the study of His word. In doing so, you will be able to tap into the Lord’s strength in order to walk in His ways. And, then one day, you will hear the beautiful words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21 NIV).