Fruit of the Spirit Developing Character Goodness
Galatians 5 verse 22 and 23 "but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Matthew 5:16 says "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven". Galatians 6:9-10 "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart". Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them".
These few scriptures tell us that (1) God has already prepared good works for us to walk in, (2) that they will bring glory to our Father in Heaven, and (3) that we will reap benefits from doing good, as we continue steadfastly and do not lose heart.
Goodness is action; it's not something we do only for the sake of being virtuous. When we strive to be "good" only for our own benefit, it is not truly goodness that we possess. In Greek, the word goodness, "agathosune", means "an uprightness of heart and life. (Thayer & Strong, 1995).
Goodness, morality, and virtue refer to qualities of character or conduct that bring approval and esteem. Goodness is a simple word for the general quality recognized in character and conduct.
For the Christian person, goodness, is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and He is the One who enables us to grow in this character trait; thus growing in Christian maturity and becoming more and more like our Lord and Friend, Whom "God anointed (Jesus of Nazareth) with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him".
God bless
Kath
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