Goodness

Articles

Derek Long
12/23/18 - The Fruits of the Spirit

The Fruit of the Spirit - Goodness
By Derek Long
Part of the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23
is goodness. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Goodness is a challenging word to define or describe because it is so generic. At times goodness can be defined by the context in which the word appears. The context of Galatians 5:22-23 does not give us many clues as to what goodness is referring to though. It may be best to take goodness in a very broad and generic way. The fruit produced in the lives of people by the Spirit consists only of goodness. Ephesians 5:9 reminds us, “for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.”
Goodness is a quality which appears at times to be connected with generosity. Acts 11:24 describes Barnabas as being, “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” Barnabas’ goodness could be seen in part by his generosity toward those in need (Acts 4:36-37). Dorcas is also identified as a woman “full of good works and charitable deeds which she did” (Acts 9:36). Dorcas’ goodness is connected with her charity toward those around her. Are we the type of people who are generous toward others and thus filled with goodness? Hebrews 13:16 tells us, “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
Goodness is a quality which appears to be connected with encouraging others. Barnabas was was a good man (Acts 11:24) and part of what was involved in his goodness is the encouragement he provided to others (Acts 4:36). Barnabas leaves Jerusalem, goes to Antioch and when he gets there “encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord” (Acts 11:23). Goodness is willing to encourage others in doing what is right.
Goodness has sadly been redefined by the society in which we live. Goodness, as defined by our society, is oftentimes wickedness. God’s word to those in Isaiah’s day well apply to our own generation. Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Many think goodness consists of allowing a woman to abort an unborn child, allowing homosexuals the right to get married, allowing people to go unchallenged in their sin or error, etc. Goodness is willing to rebuke sin and error. Goodness wants to help others come out of the darkness of sin and restoring the lost is clearly a good work (James 5:19-20). We need to be careful we do not allow ourselves to believe goodness involves endorsing the sinful lifestyles of others. Ephesians 5:11 says, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” Goodness involves reproving, rebuking, and exhorting (2 Timothy 4:2).
Goodness could simply be described as living a life filled with good works. The book of Titus reminds us of the need to be a pattern of good works (Titus 2:7), be zealous for
good works (Titus 2:14), be ready for every good work (Titus 3:1), and maintain good works (Titus 3:8, 14). Good works are defined by God’s word. As we live our lives by God’s word we will be engaged in good works and living lives of goodness.
Goodness has been displayed toward us by God. God displayed goodness in sending His Son to die for us although we did not deserve such. If we are going to imitate God, we must live lives filled with goodness as well. If goodness is not a part of our lives, we need to make the needed corrections so we will be bearing the fruit of the Spirit.