The Fruit Of The Spirit Is....Goodness

Greek words 'agathosune' (noun) and 'agathos' (adjective) both translate as 'good' so no nuggets there, as we often find when we dig into the original Greek.

A difficult word to define, it is used very generally and widely in the Bible

a) Tree. Matthew 7:17
b) Ground. Luke 8:8
c) God. Mark 10: 17-18
d) People. Matthew 25:21
e) General. Luke 6:45

Developing an understanding of the Biblical definition of goodness

Goodness is more than being just. 'The person who displays goodness is more than simply being just. The just person gives to another what he has earned. The good person is generous beyond justness'
It is often used in contrast with evil - 'good and evil'. Matthew 20:15
The evil person begrudges everything they have to give, but the good person is open-hearted and open-handed.

Examples of those living out goodness in the NT

a) Barnabas. Acts 11:24
b) Dorcas. Acts 9:36

Practical points regarding goodness

a) Goodness is not passive, it's active.
b) It is hard to define, but it's easy to spot.
c) Goodness should be directed to all, not just those who are good to us.
d) Goodness is demonstrated in terms of finance, compassion, time etc
e) We need to disconnect from the secular view of giving. Giving is not giving to receive in return, we give because we want to be a blessing.

Stewart Bloor

www.sicm.org