Goodness

Galatians 5:22,23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

Goodness can be described as moral and spiritual maturity, which is demonstrated in the way we, as Christians, should live our lives and associate with those around us. The world should be able to perceive a purity in our actions and a separation from the world's sinful influences. A life of goodness goes far beyond personal purity, however; it also encompasses how we treat those whom we come into contact with - we ought to be respectful, humble, hospitable, and have a sense of servitude. These attitudes should be seen while we are dealing with people in the workplace, believers at church, governmental leaders, both those who agree with us and those who disagree with us, etc. Because the world is full of hate, war, defilement, and selfishness, imagine how great our testimony for Christ will shine if we make an effort to be filled with love, generosity, purity, and peace!

Let's take a moment to reflect on how Christ dealt with those around Him. Although He had a righteous anger towards the sins of mankind, He also had a great compassion for the sinner himself.  He gave all He had to those who were unable to give anything back. If someone disagreed with His teachings, He simply told them more of God the Father and His saving grace. He was humble before governmental authority as long as it did not go against God's commands, and ultimately He prayed that God would forgive those who tortured and executed Him.

The goodness of Christ is our model on how we ought to treat others. Since we are on this earth to glorify God and to reach the lost by His strength, I encourage you to be full of compassion and humbleness toward all you come into contact with, for by your personal testimony, one may be influenced to seek God out.

Luke 6:27-31

"But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise."