Goodness Gracious look at how we use this word so flippantly! We say oh, my goodness, thank goodness, for goodness sake, honest to goodness. We are referring to God in all these offhand phrases, perhaps even irreverent expressions!
As we continue on our fruit of the Spirit series, we take a look at this fruit and clarify the biblical truth.
DEFINITION
The quality or state of being good. The nutritious, flavorful, or beneficial part of something.
Both of these definitions apply, but I particularly like the second one. When we think of the goodness God imparts to us through the Spirit, it is truly nutritious, flavorful, and beneficial.
A practical example of this in our daily lives is a parent who celebrates a child’s victories, let’s their child cry on their shoulder in defeat, but also disciplines a child to correct less than admirable behaviors. What was good for the child changed in different situations depending what benefits the child at a given time.
AGATHOSUNE
What? This is the word used by Paul for the fifth fruit of the Spirit. It translates excellent standard that BENEFITS others.
Not only do we benefit from the fruit, but by staying connected and sensitive to the Holy Spirit we benefit others.
SO, HOW DO WE SUM UP GOODNESS?
In the Bible, the favor of God often refers to His gracious generosity in providing abundantly for mankind’s needs and for his benefit. (Psalms 23:6 and 65:11) Additionally, it refers to God’s generous mercy and patience that allow more time for sinners to repent. (Romans 2:4)
However, God’s goodness is much more than those things. In fact, it is the very essence of God’s nature that He imparts to us through the Holy Spirit.
“For the fruit of the Spirit is in all GOODNESS and righteousness and truth”– Ephesians 5:9 (KJV – capitalization mine)
As we are led by the Spirit we are transformed by the power of God. Moreover, in previous posts about the Fruit of the Spirit, we conclude that the Holy Spirit is the seed of the fruit. Therefore, like a fruit grows naturally from the seed because of it’s relationship to the tree and sustenance from the ground, we grow naturally out of our relationship with God and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
To the extent that we have this fruit, we actually have godliness or God-likeness. It is not so much action but growing in our faith and allowing the transformation to become more like Jesus. And as we become more like God, we will also have a generous and good nature that benefits others.
A THOUGHT ON THE PHRASE: GOOD MORNING
No, I am not saying Good morning is irreverent. Nonetheless, when we watch the sun rise and wish others Good Morning, remember that only God is good (Mark 10:18) and our goodness comes only from our Creator, Savior, and Comforter – so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2: 9-11)
At the beginning of the article, we discussed the flippant way we use the word goodness. Perhaps we can turn the page and find a reverent way to acknowledge God. Good morning is something most of us say daily. Thus, why not think about this greeting as God’s morning and reflect on Psalm 118:24.
This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24 NKJ).
Some versions translate this fruit as generous. Check out The Beauty of Generosity for insight on this perspective.
COMMENTS
As always, comments are welcome. Do you think it is flippant to use the phrases listed at the beginning of this article? What about Good morning? Will you say it with a different perspective going forward? Any thoughts on goodness in general?
I will post an Easter blog later this month. In May we will move on to the next Fruit of the Spirit: faithfulness.
