“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 NASB
Grace Perspective:
Goodness is a fragrant slice of the Fruit of the Spirit. It reflects the LORD’s holiness and perfect righteousness. When combined with all the other sections of the fruit we’ve studied thus far, it reveals how deeply He cares for us. God’s gracious goodness is demonstrated when He takes a heart hardened by sin and softens it to accept the gift of salvation. Scripture says that He does the work within us to “…give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you, and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26 AMP)
God’s goodness is magnificently displayed when His children reflect the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit to others. Goodness graciously flows from His heart through us to a world battered by sin. Goodness is meant to be given, even when it’s not deserved, so others will see just how good God is.
A Touch of Grace:
How has the Lord’s goodness been shown to you?
What good does the Lord want you to do today?
Grace Application:
Do we really believe God is good when there is so much evil in the world? How do we know that God is good? How do we know what is good? How do we know what good we are supposed to do? Many questions come up when we begin to think about goodness. So, where do we find the answers? By getting to know Who God is, learning what He calls good, what He calls evil, and how are we to communicate His true goodness to others.
Studying God’s Word reveals what He thinks about good, evil, love, sin, rebellion, and redemption. It takes time and effort to purposely pursue God. Still, the commitment to build a deeper relationship with God is never wasted. It helps us understand why and how we are to prepare to reflect God’s goodness.
Reality is my flesh fights me when I purpose to spend time with God. I want to sleep a little longer instead of getting up early to be with Him. However, I know by experience that time with the Lord helps me do good. Choosing to read the Bible, to study it and take time to understand more of Who God is, prepares my heart to receive His wisdom and direction. Spending time praying and meditating on the Word focuses my thoughts on what is truly important, doing good work for Him.
God saved each of us for His purposes. Once He gives us a heart of flesh, we are transformed by His Spirit to be used for good works. Ephesians 2:10 says,
“For we are His workmanship [His own masterwork, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].”
Doing the good works God prearranged for each of us brings Him glory. But don’t worry if you don’t feel prepared (read the Bible to see others who didn’t feel up to doing good works). God is faithful to give you all that is needed to bear the fruit of gracious goodness. So ask Him today what good works He has prepared for you to do, and see where He leads.
Prayer
Gracious Father, I come to You In the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, thankful for Your goodness. You continually pour Your goodness into my life. Help me to receive it as I spend time with You. Forgive me when I resist spending time with You and give in to my fleshly desires. Continue to transform my heart so that I’m ready to do the good works You’ve prepared for me to do so that others see Your gracious goodness. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**