INTENTIONAL GOODNESS

Goodness is the sixth of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23

Goodness is not just a passive quality; it’s an active endeavor. It means being proactive in showing kindness and grace to others, even when it isn't convenient or easy. Intentional goodness is a deliberate act of the will, choosing the path of righteousness and compassion in every situation.

Let's look at what the Bible says about goodness:

GOD IS ALWAYS GOOD
"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." – Genesis 1:31

From the very beginning, God's nature and intentions were clear: to create something good. The goodness of God is evident in the beauty and order of creation. This sets a precedent for us to recognize and replicate goodness in our lives.

WE ARE CALLED TO BE GOOD
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." – Romans 12:21

We are encouraged not just to resist evil but to actively combat it with goodness. This is an invitation to display intentional goodness, to go out of our way to do good deeds, and to be the change we wish to see in the world.

OUR GOODNESS REFLECTS CHRIST
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." – Matthew 5:16

Our goodness should not be about self-promotion or self-righteousness. Instead, it should point others to God. When we act with intentional goodness, we are reflecting Christ's love to the world.

THERE IS A REWARD FOR OUR GOODNESS
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." – Galatians 6:9

Consistently acting with goodness might sometimes feel tiring, especially when faced with negativity or discouragement. But the Bible reminds us that there is a reward for those who persist in doing good.

ADOPT GOODNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE
"A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart." – Luke 6:45

Intentional goodness is not just about external actions but stems from a heart that is oriented towards God. Cultivating a heart of goodness will naturally lead to actions that reflect the same.

CONCLUSION
Being intentionally good is about more than just doing good things. It’s about embodying the very essence of goodness that emanates from God. It’s a commitment, a lifestyle, and a reflection of the divine nature within us. As we continue to grow in our faith, may our lives be a testament to the fruit of goodness that the Holy Spirit produces in us.
Amen.

Your aspiring servant, Daniel M.
​ October 17, 2023
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV.
If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.