Isn’t that saying “goodness gracious?” Maybe you’re wondering if, all these years, you’ve actually had that saying backwards. The “Goodness” we speak of today is Biblical goodness, like that described as a ‘fruit of the spirit’. Let’s take a look at
Gracious Goodness!
God calls us to be filled with goodness from the inside out, being holy in what we do and say. Christians should have a heart that seeks goodness. We are not to just do good works, because doing good works without a good heart is empty (James 2:18-2:26).
The ‘goodness’ described as a fruit of the Spirit is not merely moral behavior, but an excellence of character. This goodness is only possible through God’s grace and mercy.
More on Godly Character:
We often say in church, “God is good all the time. And all the time God is good.” Does this mean that our lives are always good? No, of course not. It means that God is practicing the fruit of the spirit of goodness—godliness. God is good, and He wants us to grow in the fruit of goodness so we can live a fulfilling life full of righteous love.
Discussion Questions:
Goodness. While kindness is the soft side of good, goodness reflects the character of God. Goodness in you desires to see goodness in others and is not beyond confronting or even rebuking (as Jesus did with the money changers in the temple) for that to happen.
Question: Does my life reflect the holiness of God? Do I desire to see others experience God at a deep level in their own lives?
Resources For Further Study
- Character – Discipleship Tools
- A True Reflection of His Father – Crosswalk
- Faith & Work: How Do I Affirm God’s Goodness in the Workplace? – Gospel Coalition Podcast
