Feb 26 – GOODNESS !

“for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth” (Ephesians 5: 9).

Those who have inherent goodness in them, are called good. That goodness is dearly beloved in the eyes of God and man, and wins the first level of respect and appreciation. Those who are filled with the Holy Spirit should abound in divine goodness. Apostle Paul says: “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another” (Romans 15: 14).

A good heart is like a fountain. Just like clear water springs forth from the fountain, good qualities comes out of good heart. Like a fountain of water, which is a blessing to many people, you will also be a great blessing to many around you, when you are filled with goodness.

The Scripture says that Barnabas was a good man (Acts 11: 24). He sold all that he had and placed the proceeds at the feet of apostles, so that the money could be used for the ministry and to help the widows and the poor. Also, when all others were reluctant to accept Paul (also called as Saul), it was only because of the goodness of Barnabas, that endorsed Paul, encouraged him in his ministry and travelled along with him for various missions. He was glad when he had seen the grace of God, and encouraged them all to continue with the Lord with the same purpose of heart.

Today there are some believers who put on a show of goodness, and claim that the very purpose of their existence is to help others in need. But in their hearts, they are as selfish as devouring wolves.

In those days, the Lord looked at the children of Israel and said with a sorrowful heart: “O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, And like the early dew it goes away” (Hosea 6: 4).

Pure Goodness, without any trace of selfishness, is the fruit of the Spirit. You cannot earn goodness through your efforts. The level of goodness in your life will rather depend on the closeness of your fellowship with the Lord and your communion with the Holy Spirit.

Verse for further meditation: “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another” (Romans 15: 14).