Fruit of the Spirit: What is Goodness?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22,23)
Dictionary Definition: the quality or state of being virtuous, just, commendable, kind, benevolent
Goodness and kindness are very similar elements of the Fruit of the Spirit.
Matthew chapter 19 verses 16 to 22 illustrates two aspects of goodness: the moral and the benevolent. This is one difference between goodness and kindness. Kindness does not have an integral moral element. Jesus was trying to make it clear to this man that he was not as good a person as he thought he was. This man thought he could earn eternal life by being good; which is not true. Salvation, forgiveness, eternal life is a gift of God received by faith.
Matthew chapter 20 verses 1 to 16 also sheds light on the question of what is goodness. In verse 15, the Greek word translated generous in the New International Version comes from the same root word as goodness. The phrase could have been translated "because I am good." The Bible links being generous with goodness.
In Matthew chapter 25 verses 14 to 30, Jesus tells the parable of the Talents. In this parable, the good servants are the ones who are good stewards. They took what their master gave them and used it for his benefit. So another consideration for us in regards to goodness is to consider how we are using all that God has given us for his benefit as good stewards.
So goodness encompasses being morally good, being benevolent, being generous, and using all we have and are for God's glory.
Dictionary Definition: the quality or state of being virtuous, just, commendable, kind, benevolent
Goodness and kindness are very similar elements of the Fruit of the Spirit.
Matthew chapter 19 verses 16 to 22 illustrates two aspects of goodness: the moral and the benevolent. This is one difference between goodness and kindness. Kindness does not have an integral moral element. Jesus was trying to make it clear to this man that he was not as good a person as he thought he was. This man thought he could earn eternal life by being good; which is not true. Salvation, forgiveness, eternal life is a gift of God received by faith.
Matthew chapter 20 verses 1 to 16 also sheds light on the question of what is goodness. In verse 15, the Greek word translated generous in the New International Version comes from the same root word as goodness. The phrase could have been translated "because I am good." The Bible links being generous with goodness.
In Matthew chapter 25 verses 14 to 30, Jesus tells the parable of the Talents. In this parable, the good servants are the ones who are good stewards. They took what their master gave them and used it for his benefit. So another consideration for us in regards to goodness is to consider how we are using all that God has given us for his benefit as good stewards.
So goodness encompasses being morally good, being benevolent, being generous, and using all we have and are for God's glory.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 3:49 PM
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