In the list of fruits of the Spirit, goodness can be an easy one to skip over. It sounds generic--joy is such an active, usually obvious fruit-- and self-control, also noticeable in a person's life. But goodness? What does it look like?
In 2 Chronicles 7, when Solomon dedicated the Temple, fire came down on the sacrifices, and no one could go into the temple because the glory of the Lord had filled it. The people's reaction was to kneel with their faces on the ground and worship, saying "He is good; His love endures forever" (vs. 3).
And God is good--He blessed His people with good land and a strong king and with His presence.
We also get to see Jesus' goodness in how he talked to the woman at the well, as he openly yet gently confronted her sin. He invited her to be part of the kingdom of God by telling her he is the Messiah, while the disciples (and other purist Israelites) would have been like "Whaaaat?! She gets to be in on this?! She's a Samaritan!"
In my life, goodness is a fruit that I struggle to give evidence of. I have Jesus in me, and yet I am challenged by Galatians 5 to actually demonstrate that I follow a good God.
As a teacher, I need to show goodness 1) in encouraging my students to work hard and 2) in extending grace when a student acts out of anger/frustration. As a wife, showing God's goodness looks like taking the trash out because I know my husband doesn't have time to, grabbing his favorite snacks when they go on sale, and being the one to ask for forgiveness first after we argue.
As a teacher, I need to show goodness 1) in encouraging my students to work hard and 2) in extending grace when a student acts out of anger/frustration. As a wife, showing God's goodness looks like taking the trash out because I know my husband doesn't have time to, grabbing his favorite snacks when they go on sale, and being the one to ask for forgiveness first after we argue.
How is God's goodness evident in your life? What can you do to represent the good God who we follow?
Julie Hood and blogs over at a hopeful hood, where she talks about faith, married life, DIY projects, and fixing up her little house. Go on ahead and visit her--she'd love to chat about what God's doing in your life or your favorite summer craft project!You can find her on instagram, twitter, facebook, and pinterest!
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Thank you for sharing with us, Julie!
Stay tuned for the rest of our study in the Fruit of the Spirit!
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Great read! Yes, Goodness is a very important component in our daily lives!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mandee! It really is important (and easy to overlook) :)
DeleteSo encouraging. I am looking forward to reading the rest of them :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, the other posts have been so challenging and insightful!!
DeleteThanks for the encouragement. Lots of goodness in my life from God right now. Hottest part of the summer AC had died twice and both could have been major breaks that the money just isn't there to fix. Both times have been cheap parts instead, a fuse instead of the compressor, a bolt instead of the fan motor.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is such a cool story because of your perspective!! Instead of "what the heck, my AC broke!" You're being thankful for the fact it wasn't more expensive. I'm so inspired by your attitude!
DeleteI can't say enough how much I'm loving this series and how inspired it has made me!
ReplyDeleteYay! Glad you're enjoying it! :)
DeleteI'm totally guilty of reading that passage and skipping over "goodness" just because I wasn't exactly sure what that looks like. In regards to the question of about God's goodness in my life, I think it's so easy to list off all the material things that I have like a roof over my head, wonderful food on the table, a car with air condition in this crazy desert heat, and a job. I think God's goodness shines the brightest in my life when I'm in a difficult situation or season because when all seems lost, His presence is so comforting and powerful.
ReplyDeleteI love your examples of God's goodness--both in tangible blessings and in difficult situations!! So insightful!!!
DeleteWonderful words of wisdom. We need joy and goodness in our lives. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda! And amen on needing joy and goodness!! :)
ReplyDeleteI left a lengthy comment and then it might have been lost when I tried to publish? If this is a duplicate, please free free to delete. We are neighbors at #TellHisStory today and I enjoyed spending time on your space!
ReplyDeleteI try to encourage others and inspire other women with my blog and at work. Thank you for sharing this Bible study.
ReplyDeleteLovely encouragement and a great reminder!! Thank you.
ReplyDelete