Paul is more concerned with our orientation of selfless and outgoing concern for others than how each portion of the Fruit of the Spirit works out in daily practice. Once we have a Jesus encounter, we are no longer the same. We discover a new focus and orientation that reflects the selfless, outpouring love of God himself.
We can define goodness as constructive action reaching out to others. Goodness is a manifestation of the grace that we have received. Remember, the Fruit of the Spirit demonstrates our character and is seen through our conduct.
The goodness of God is one of His many attributes. We cannot separate what is good from God. True goodness cannot be understood apart from knowing God and viewing things from His perspective. God is good, just as God is love. God is the source of everything that is good. God does not withhold anything that is truly good from the children whom He loves.
In the same way, we can model God’s goodness toward others. We treat people with the grace that God gives us. We love others the way the Lord loves us.
Prayer: Lord, let your goodness flow through me and shine Your love into the lives of others. Let the joy of the Lord be present in all my interactions today. Empower to bring peace into the lives I enter today. May I deal with everyone patiently and with kindness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
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