E35 - Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions - Goodness
Hope’s Harbor
Gritty Bible Devotions
Episode #35
Title: Goodness – the opposite of evil? Or something else?
Date: January 3, 2022
Contact: info@hopesharbor.net
Key verse(s): Gal 5:22 – ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…’
Intro: Normally when goodness is taught from Scripture we may think of the phrase ‘Good and Evil.’ This is understandable for those who know the account in Genesis 2 in which the phrase is used.
It is also used in Hebrews 5:14 – ‘But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.’ Just to make sure of the distinction I want to make between the common thought or understanding of good and evil, good in Hebrews 5:14 means: beautiful, valuable or virtuous, honest, meet, or worthy.
And evil in this verse means worthless, depraved, injurious: - bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.
However, I want to focus on goodness, not just as an opposite to evil, but rather on how goodness within us may be shared with others.
This is the goodness from the key verse: Galatians 5:22 – ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is… goodness…’
goodness, that is virtue or beneficence: - goodness. From the root meaning of A primary word; “good” (in any sense, often as noun): - benefit, good, well.
Before going further I want you to think of what goodness you want in your life.
What benefit do you need?
Devotion focus: Goodness versus the evil of not caring about the needs of others -
The definition of goodness in Galatians 5:22 contains the meaning of benefit and this is what I hope to get across, the opportunity to benefit others. And not from a sense of duty or obligation only, but from genuine concern about the welfare of our sisters and brothers throughout this world, this tiny sphere hanging in space.
Goodness and kindness are closely linked in their meanings. And I see the importance of them GOD is trying to get across to us by the use of both these terms when describing His nature to us in Galatians 5:22.
Keep in mind GOD’s nature in His essence is not like ours even though we have personality traits like GOD. His nature is singular but is described in different ways throughout the Bible to help us understand Him better.
Think of it this way even though the analogy falls short: a single diamond cut into whatever shape has different facets, will reflect light in different ways and colors all the while remaining a single jewel.
GOD’s nature is described as if it’s several different traits opposing each other, such as His love vs His hate; His anger vs His gentleness. This is incorrect thinking about GOD’s nature. GOD’s goodness is His nature throughout His being.
Without going too deep into this, the fact goodness is listed as a fruit (nature or characteristic) of GOD’s Spirit tells us the importance of us developing or allowing GOD to develop goodness in and through our actions.
Other people need goodness shown to them, given to them, benefiting them. This applies to the saved of GOD, His children, and to those who have not discovered His love for them.
GOD’s children are our brothers and sisters and therefore family to us. We owe them goodness. Those who are outside GOD’s family, they are often referred to as ‘lost,’ are not excluded from GOD’s goodness.
This truth is declared in Luke 6:35 – “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”
The word ‘kind’ in this verse is described as ‘good’ in the Strong’s Concordance.
Now, being Christian literally means Christ-like. If we are going to live like the Son of GOD then one way is through kindness, benefiting, and helping those in need.
When you do this you are being like GOD through good works done in His Name and by His power. This benefits GOD because it furthers His Kingdom on Earth.
When we stand before Jesus at the bema seat judgment, not for punishment – that was taken care of when He died on the Cross for all who choose to believe and act on that belief – but the bema seat judgment is for issuing out rewards depending on what we’ve done in this life with the commands and resources given us.
For more on this read Romans 14:10-12:
Romans 14:10 – ‘But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Romans 14:11 – ‘For it is written: "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS TO GOD."
Romans 14:12 – ‘So then each of us shall give an account of himself to God.’
And 2 Corinthians 5:10 – ‘For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.’
Lastly: Matthew 25:31-40:
Matthew 25:31 - "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.
Matthew 25:32 – “All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.
Matthew 25:33 – “And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.
Matthew 25:34 – “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Matthew 25:35 – “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;
Matthew 25:36 – “I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'
Matthew 25:37 - "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?
Matthew 25:38 – “When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?
Matthew 25:39 – “Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'
Matthew 25:40 – “And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
Summary: Find a way to serve the needs of others. Opportunity abounds. GOD will not accept excuses here. We are responsible to fulfill the requirement of goodness, benefit to others.
Try not to feel condemned if your life so far lacks goodness to others. Now is the time to change your mind and practice and start doing good. If you will determine in your mind to benefit others and then go do good to them, you will change your eternal rewards accordingly.
Action to consider: Look at the list below. I simply did an online search of how Christians can help others in need.
1. Give away your unused clothing
2. Be a friendly face.
3. Share the good news (gospel) of GOD’s love
4. Learn to save lives by supporting maternity clinics in Africa and elsewhere. Ie:
5. Volunteer.
6. Give to a cause close to your heart.
7. Advocate for a cause.
8. Donate your blood.
5 Meaningful Ways to Help Others in the New Year
1. Offer Kindness - Pay attention to the people around you and what you can do to make their lives a little easier. (Ask before you act – try not to offend)
2. Volunteer Your Time. Community service is one of the best ways to improve the lives of others. ...
3. Donate to a Cause. ...
4. Donate Unused Items. ...
Don’t put this off – write down your intentions, take action, check off actions as you go – this gives a wonderful sense of accomplishment!
Next week’s devotion: Gentleness – meekness in humble action