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
My Pastor recently did a sermon series on the Fruit of the Spirit. I thought I would share some take-away’s I noted from his message on Goodness.
There is a progression in our perspective of goodness as we grow older. When we are a kid, we are taught to “be good”. When we are a teenager we are concerned about “looking good”. And when we grow up, as adults we are more concerned about “feeling good”.
But what is goodness?
It’s important for us to understand this principle:
Apart from God, goodness does not exist.
Why? Because…God is good. Being good comes only from God, and we are commanded to do good.
God is good.
God is good in His person.
“The Lord is good ,a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”
Nahum 1:7
God is good in His provision.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17
God is good in His plans.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Being good.
People aren’t basically good.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.Romans 3:12
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
Romans 7:18
Doing good.
3 Reasons for doing good:
1-Inward
When you do good to others, you are doing yourself good.
2-Outward
Doing good impacts others. Acts 11:24
3-Upward
God’s is watching Prov 15:3
So what is goodness?—-Goodness is “doing love in your actions.”
Are you trusting wholly in our Good God?!
Are you “doing love in your actions”?!
You can check out Pastor Jeff’s message on goodness here.
Marlana Kaye
