Goodness - what does it mean to you? Most everyone thinks of themselves as a good person, and they are... for the most part. But what does the Bible say about goodness?
Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions
Episode #35
Title: Goodness – the opposite of evil? Or something else?
Date: January 3, 2022
Contact: [email protected]
Key verse(s): Gal 5:22 – ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…’
Intro: Normally when goodness is taught from Scripture we may think of the phrase ‘Good and Evil.’ This is understandable for those who know the account in Genesis 2 in which the phrase is used.
It is also used in Hebrews 5:14 – ‘But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.’ Just to make sure of the distinction I want to make between the common thought or understanding of good and evil, good in Hebrews 5:14 means: beautiful, valuable or virtuous, honest, meet, or worthy.
And evil in this verse means worthless, depraved, injurious: - bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.
However, I want to focus on goodness, not just as an opposite to evil, but rather on how goodness within us may be shared with others.
This is the goodness from the key verse: Galatians 5:22 – ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is… goodness…’
goodness, that is, virtue or beneficence: - goodness. From the root meaning of A primary word; “good” (in any sense, often as noun): - benefit, good, well.
Before going further I want you to think of what goodness you want in your life.
What benefit do you need?
Devotion focus: Goodness versus the evil of not caring about the needs of others -
The definition of goodness in Galatians 5:22 contains the meaning of benefit and this is what I hope to get across, the opportunity to benefit others. And not from a sense of duty or obligation only, but from genuine concern about the welfare of our sisters and brothers throughout this world, this tiny sphere hanging in space.
Goodness and kindness are closely linked in their meanings. And I see the importance of them GOD is trying to get across to us by the use of both these terms when describing His nature to us in Galatians 5:22.
Keep in mind GOD’s nature in His essence is not like our even though we have personality traits like GOD. His nature is singular but is described in different ways throughout the Bible to help us understand Him better.
Think of it this way even though the analogy falls short: a single diamond cut into whatever shape has different facets, will reflect light in different ways and colors all the while remaining a single jewel.
GOD’s nature is described as if it’s several different traits opposing each other, such as His love vs His hate; His anger vs His gentleness. This is incorrect thinking about GOD’s nature. GOD’s goodness is His nature throughout His being.
Without going too deep into this, the fact goodness is listed as a fruit (nature or characteristic) of GOD’s Spirit tells us the importance of us developing or allowing GOD to develop goodness in and through our actions.
Other people need goodness shown to them, given to them, benefiting them. This applies to the saved of GOD, His children, and to those who have not discovered His love for them.
GOD’s children are our brothers and sisters and therefore family to us. We owe them goodness. Those who are outside GOD’s family, they are often referred to as ‘lost,’ are not excluded from GOD’s goodness.
This truth is declared inLuk
Show notes at HopesHarbor.net
