Goodness ~ Doing Everything

Now for goodness, or what I like to call 'kindness in action.'  So we learned that kindness is when we set our minds to doing good to others.  Well, goodness is when we actually do it. Goodness is the next step in how we treat others by turning our 'kind' thoughtful intentions into actions.  Goodness does everything it possibly can to serve others and to shower God's love and blessings on those around us.

Goodness, like all the other Fruits of the Spirit is a choice.  We can choose to be nice and do good things to others or we can choose to not do anything.  James 2:17 says  "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Goodness, or good deeds, is part of how we share our faith. In other words, if there is no goodness showing forth from our lives than we should be concerned for our salvation. And at the same time goodness and good deeds cannot save you. Only by believing in Christ Jesus who died on the cross to save you and turning from your sins can you be saved. And if you truly are saved then goodness should be evident in your life.

As we grow and desire more and more to follow Jesus our lives will be defined by the fruits we bear.   Imagine a garden. Patience is like a seed under the soil, not seen.  Often it seems that the seed is doing nothing, but unbeknownst to the observers the seed is growing.  And what is growing from that seed is kindness. Kindness begins to grow and wants to push itself up and out from underneath the soil.  Thus goodness blossoms forth.  Goodness and its work of love to others bless all who see it.

I think it is amazing how each fruit of the spirit builds on each other.  I used to always think that they all were their own separate virtue but I've come to realize that there is even a reason for the order they are in.  How amazing God is!  I find that the more you study a certain part of His word, the more He reveals to you.    

So that is pretty much all I have to say about goodness.  I challenge you now to let kindness show forth in your life through acts of goodness towards others.  

Note: the garden example is from the book "A Young Women's Walk  with God" by Elizabeth George.  I worded it in my own words but it is not my original idea.  I loved the idea so much I just had to share it.