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Fruit of the Spirit -GOODNESS

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” 
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

Goodness and kindness are similar, but there is a subtle difference between the two. Kindness is more so defined as actions displayed towards others out of a tender heart, however goodness is a “moral and spiritual excellence,” (MacArthur, “The MacArthur Bible Commentary, 2005, pg. 1676) displayed in either kindness towards others or towards an activity one is engaged in. For example, Colossians 3:23 tells us “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord… .” When you do something in excellence because you’re doing out of a heart for the Lord, you’ve done a “good job.” It could be studying for an exam, cooking a meal for your family, or completing a project for work.

When a child has a choice to either share with their sibling or be selfish and they choose to share, parents will often say: “Good job! You’ve made a good choice.” Most often parents are praying that choice came out of the goodness of their heart and not out of a duty to following the rules.

Sincere goodness flows out a transformed heart. That transformation comes through the power of the Holy Spirit, hence, goodness being one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 25 Jesus tells the parable of the talents. To the servants who showed integrity and faithfulness in stewarding what the master had given them, the master told them, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” (emphasis mine). I hope that you take a moment today to reflect on the kindness and goodness of God towards you, and how you can reflect that in your life towards others.

God bless!

Noree Wegmeyer

 

 

Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cheerful-close-up-coffee-cup-208165/

 

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