Goodness
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21
Goodness, as a fruit of the Spirit, means being moral or righteous. When we are instructed to bear the fruit of goodness, it means that we should practice righteousness. How can we cultivate lives that are more righteous, more holy, moral and good?
Goodness means letting go of our own foolish ways and following the Lord's ways.
We can't bear the fruit of goodness if we're constantly satisfying the fleshly desires we have and living contrary to God's will. We won't get very far trying to bear goodness if we are only concerned with living our lives based on what we want and how to make ourselves happy. Real goodness, at its core, is about pursuing the pure and holy way of life. When we deprive our flesh, or our desire for sin, we will reap amazing benefits that will add blessing and joy to our lives. As we foster goodness, we will grow closer to the Lord, and our lives will point others to Jesus.
"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:15-16
We as believers have the chance to overcome evil in the world with our goodness empowered by the Holy Spirit. When we consider all the evil in this world, it may feel discouraging or seem like we're on the losing team, but truly, Jesus has already overcome every evil and trouble. His goodness, the goodness that we partake in through the Holy Spirit, is part of overcoming the evil in this world. The goodness we bear will shine like a bright light of hope.
Goodness means choosing morality. Goodness means walking away from sinfulness. Goodness means using your life for God's glory and to further His kingdom. Goodness is about treating others how God invites us to treat others. Goodness means living in the Spirit and letting our old selves die so that we can have new life in Jesus. Goodness means pursuing holiness, and purity, and to live as much as we possibly can like Jesus.
Goodness is a tall order, but one that we can accomplish when we walk in the Spirit. When you invite Jesus to take residence in your heart, to accept His love, to follow His path for your life, you will be able to bear the fruit of goodness. With Christ, all things are possible. Though I mess up and make mistakes, sin and fall short, God is one who gives countless chances, endless forgiveness, and will always help me get back up and start again on the road to foster goodness. His grace extends to all of us, the most precious gift.
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love."
2 Peter 1:5-7
Goodness serves as a solid foundation that allows us to grow spiritually, deepening our faith, and helping us live in ways that truly honor God. As you add goodness to your faith and bear this fruit of the Spirit, it becomes a way in which God can add even more to your life and your faith.
Let us pray
Lord, you are good and call us to participate in your goodness. Help us to abandon our sinful ways and our selfish desires, so that we can live for you, faithful and healthy lives. As we pursue goodness, reward our efforts and help us in every way, because though we cannot achieve this on our own, with you we are able to be the light you have instructed us to be in a dark world. Thank you that you made us good and that our lives have such grand meaning and purpose. Watch over us as we rise up and be your hands and feet in the world, doing good and helping others find you as their savior. Amen.
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