Sometimes we wonder why bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people. Well, that’s just a fact of life. It happens. But goodness is something that ought to characterize the people of God so that wherever they go, good things happen to those around them.
There is a lot of evil around us these days. And bad things are simply the result of living in a fallen and depraved world. Yet God is alive and well on planet earth, and He wants goodness to prevail over evil. That’s what happened, of course, when Jesus died on the cross. Goodness prevailed over evil.
For those who have received Jesus Christ as their Savior, the Holy Spirit wants to work that quality of life into them, as well. In Galatians 5:22-23 the Bible says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness…” It is important for us to be known for our goodness, that in our kindness, we do good things – things that are wholesome, and right, and beneficial to others.
The word “goodness” is a Greek word that means “good” in the practical sense. The emphasis is not on intrinsic goodness, but on goodness in action. It’s something that is beneficial and helpful – even generous.
I know a Christian lady who is a widow. She has had a lot of bad things happen to her in her life, including the loss of her husband. But she is one of the most giving persons I know. She puts herself out in doing good things for others – especially those that are hurting and disadvantaged. She is wrapped in the cloak of goodness, and she does all these things because she loves the Lord Jesus and is overwhelmed by His goodness to her. Now that’s what the Spirit of God wants to produce in all of us – a spirit of goodness that prevails over the evil in our world. “The fruit of the Spirit is…goodness.”
Now you know the real meaning of the word.
Hey — You can spread a little cheer today. Do good things for the people around you…