Fruits of the Spirit Series - Goodness

The goodness of God is magnificent and unmatched in power! It is prevalent in all seasons of life and is such a beautiful gift. As I write this, I think about how good God has been to me and my family having had three deaths in the last six months. It has been a blow to everyone, yet God comforts us and still makes opportunities for us to have joy. Nahum 1:7 tells us that “the Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” When tragedy strikes or when things seem awry, trusting in God is the best thing we can do. He knows our suffering, He knows what our process will look like, and He knows our beginning and our end. Why not use this amazing resource when things don’t feel or look so good? God of all, He will bring the good into any situation you are in. This is how Romans 8:28 plays out in even the most horrific circumstances, because God is in it and will never leave us nor forsake us. 

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28

The beautiful thing about this fruit is that we can also view this from another perspective. When things are good, having God in it makes it REALLY good. I listened to a podcast about an Apostle recently (link below) who spoke about how she was celebrated for the work she has done for God. During the celebration, she took a step back in humility and said, this would mean nothing without God. Those moments of celebration, job promotions, new and exciting opportunities: how much greater they seem when God is in it!

Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! -Psalm 106:1

When we have this fruit, we are accepting that God is in everything and because God is good, His goodness and light are able to penetrate all things, good and bad. This is POWERFUL! Perhaps you’ve become very ill. Those who care for you show God’s goodness in being compassionate and caring in their actions toward you. Or, perhaps you’ve lost a means of employment and don’t quite have enough to make ends meet. People from organizations to individuals show God’s goodness by providing resources needed until you’re back up on your feet and don’t make you feel bad about it. Our most desirable scenario is if everything in life is going well. Instead of bringing people and situations to make things difficult, God’s goodness adds to your blessings and offers protection!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. -James 1:17

Make this declaration today!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. -Psalm 23:6

Reflection and Application:

• How has God shown His goodness in your life?

• How can you cultivate this fruit?

• What are ways you can show this fruit and provide goodness for others in their good or bad situations?

• What are more scriptures that show God’s goodness?

• Podcast Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlinWvzvNdw&list=PLsJLC9JVAX745VhRtK7BsoBWKXF0yVrsB&index=7