Fruit of the Spirit 6 Passing the Plate is NOT Good

Someone once said “GOODNESS” could be described as “Generosity of spirit that takes form from imitating Jesus Christ.” GOODNESS is the next FRUIT of the Spirit we want to place into our fruit basket. Often, we get the word GOODNESS and kindness confused. Kindness can be an act towards someone to show the love of Christ – no doubt. However, the word “GOODNESS” is derived from the Greek word, Agathosune. In the Bible it’s use reveals a zealous activity in doing good. ACTION – dynamic. However, kindness is more of a passive gesture – (chrestotes).

“For the Word of the Lord is right and all His works are done in Truth. He loveth righteousness and judgement: the earth is full of His GOODNESS of the Lord.” Ps 33:4-5

When our one daughter was in a local Bible club for ages Kindergarten through second grades, we were hosting an Olympics activity at the church in which many other clubs were invited. There was a concession stand and it amazed me she had money to spend. I could not remember her having any cash. Upon questioning her, the truth was revealed. She had been telling people she was collecting money for a missions’ project, and they were giving to it out of the kindness of their hearts. Needless to say, she was the mission project, and their money went to feed her at the concessions. It was at that point in time in her life, we exercised “GOODNESS”. It was for her “GOOD” that she be taught, disciplined, and made to do right. She learned passing the plate was not GOOD!

The Biblical “GOODNESS” can be sharp in the execution and the rebuke that may come with it is to produce good in a person. God, Himself, disciplines us. “Whom the Lord loves, He disciplines” (Hebrews 12:6) to create good, not to be hateful or cruel. He wants the best in us and to see us eat of the FRUIT of GOODNESS. Therefore, if a child is disciplined (word meaning “to teach”), it’s because the parents have a desire for the child to become a responsible and reliable adult – for their good.

Roman 15:14 provides a clear picture of this: "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." Paul clearly relates GOODNESS with full knowledge and admonition of each other. God describes Himself as "abounding in goodness" (Exodus 34:6). God is the flowing spring of anything that is truly GOOD. His whole being is GOOD and He has a strong desire to offer it to each of us so we are filled with GOODNESS. Just being good will never get us to Heaven as “There is none righteous, no not one.” (Rom 3:10) This is not that type of good. This is activity, pursuing the act of doing good towards others with perseverance.

The earth is full of the GOODNESS of the Lord because our Father is good (Psalms 33:5). God said He made us in His own image. The FRUIT of the Spirit – GOODNESS, is one that is vitally important to show others the GOODNESS of the Lord through our actions. We need to take every occasion, put before us, to yield to His Spirit to develop the GOODNESS FRUIT.