I used to believe that I was bad to the bone and not capable of making good choices, so I would “joke” that hell would be more fun. The truth was that I thought “if” there was a heaven, then would never be allowed there anyway, so I might as well “earn” my spot in hell. It’s a sad truth of what was once my reality, but God is good, and today, we are looking at “goodness” as one of the Fruits that the Spirit brings into our character.
Goodness is a moral trait. In order words, goodness is righteousness in action because we seek to be a blessing to others.
In the Greek language, “agathosune” is defined as “uprightness of the heart and life”. Agathosune is showing goodness for the benefit of other people, not just to be devoted to God. Therefore, over time, we become selfless in helping others less fortunate than ourselves because to have agathosune comes from the heart of wanting to help others, not because we have too.
Goodness is not something that humanity manufactures on their own accord because everything good comes from above. So the Spirit is guiding us so that others will see our good works and ultimately praise God, Himself, not us!
“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father.”
James 1:17
Categories: Fruits of the Spirit
