Fruit of the Spirit/Goodness

 

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

God is good.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 118:1

     The phrase, “He is good and His love endures forever,” is written over and over again in the Psalms. Do you believe that God is good? Do you believe He loves you? Life can be discouraging, depressing, heart breaking, confusing, overwhelming and doubt-filled can’t it? Why does God allow sorrow and suffering to be our companions as we journey through this short life on earth?

     Goodness is another seed that is planted and grows within us as we allow God to work in our Spirits through His word, through prayer, through praise and thanksgiving and many times, through our trials and testing. God teaches us about His goodness, His compassion, His understanding and His abiding love through the most difficult of our days. When life is sailing smoothly along on calm waters, we become complacent and comfortable and independent. We can take care of ourselves. Or so we believe.

     When a storm pulls the comfortable roof from over our heads, it often brings us to our knees for cover. Is there really a God? He wants to get to the core of us. He wants us to learn to trust Him, even at our lowest point. He wants the Holy Spirit in us to grow so strong, that we can remain filled with His joy and peace NO MATTER WHAT! 

And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

     He works for the good in “all things.”  God takes everything from our past and present and uses all of it for His future purposes, to bring glory to Him. You and I have heard testimonies over the years. There is hope in our stories. God heals. He transforms. He changes everything to good.

     Why did God place a crabby and critical neighbor next door to Joyful Jenny and her family? It could be that God knew she needed some unconditional love. The innocence of a kind-hearted child began the change. Over a period of many years Kind Katie and Joyful Jenny developed a strong bond with Cathy. And one day, there came the perfect opportunity to mention the love of the Father. Amazing grace. Amazing love. The amazing goodness of a loving God.

Dear Jesus,

You are good and Your love endures forever. Show us Your goodness. Use our suffering and sorrow to teach us. Give us patience as we wait for Your purpose in our lives to be revealed. As we learn from Your compassionate heart, only then can we be compassionate to others. God is so good. He’s so good to me.

Amen