Goodness is one of the character traits that is not easily understood today. In fact, it can be greatly misunderstood, especially if we associate it with a type of goodness that sets itself up as being better than someone else or a goodness that feels it’s deserving of something.
The Bible tells us that we are not saved because of or by good works, but to do good works because we are saved. (Ephesians 2: 8-10) Goodness is an active kindness – it expresses itself in active good, out of gratefulness for what has been given to us.
Sometimes the action is a good deed, other times it takes corrective measurements. More specifically, it is “kindness energized for kingdom gain."
There is more. We have not been left in the dark about spiritual goodness. In fact, we have been given gifts to do good to one another. (1 Corinthians 12: 7-11) Through His Spirit God has entrusted us with a gift that shows itself in goodness or active kindness. Sometimes it means telling the truth when it hurts - using discernment or correcting in love, other times it means caring for a child or bringing a meal to a grieving neighbor, but all for a profitable end – that which will eternally be most beneficial.
May I allow the Spirit to couple goodness with kindness in me, so that I will be safeguarded from misguided goodness. “We cannot be trusted to do good works until the Word of God does its good work in us.” Beth Moore
The Bible tells us that we are not saved because of or by good works, but to do good works because we are saved. (Ephesians 2: 8-10) Goodness is an active kindness – it expresses itself in active good, out of gratefulness for what has been given to us.
Sometimes the action is a good deed, other times it takes corrective measurements. More specifically, it is “kindness energized for kingdom gain."
There is more. We have not been left in the dark about spiritual goodness. In fact, we have been given gifts to do good to one another. (1 Corinthians 12: 7-11) Through His Spirit God has entrusted us with a gift that shows itself in goodness or active kindness. Sometimes it means telling the truth when it hurts - using discernment or correcting in love, other times it means caring for a child or bringing a meal to a grieving neighbor, but all for a profitable end – that which will eternally be most beneficial.
May I allow the Spirit to couple goodness with kindness in me, so that I will be safeguarded from misguided goodness. “We cannot be trusted to do good works until the Word of God does its good work in us.” Beth Moore
4 comments:
Hi. I've been appreciating your encouraging words for a bit now and just wanted to say thank you! Thank you for reminding me that a key ingredient to goodness is kindness...sort of adds a sweetness rather than a sour taste that sometimes goes along with self-righteous attitudes that can sometimes spring up when we practice good works. I've enjoyed reading here!
Blessings,
Silvana
Thank you Anneliese. Reading your posts on the Fruits of the Spirit has given me time to think about each one ~ All the best,
Maria
I'm splashed in God's goodness after visiting here. Dear one, I love that you practice hospitality for missions. It is such a blessing. As a mommy on the mission field, thank you for opening your home, your heart, your life.
Blessings from Costa Rica,
Sarah Dawn
Yes! God's word. I loved beth's qoute that you shared. May His goodness take root in me. Thanks again for sharing another fruit. Kathy
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