The Fruit of the Spirit Is Goodness

LESSON 7*February 6 - 12 The Fruit of the Spirit Is  Goodness SABBATH AFTERNOON
Read for This Week's Study:

Ps. 51:10, 11; John 14:9; Rom. 3:12–20; 7:7–12; Titus 2:14; Heb. 1:2, 3.

Memory Text:

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Epnesians 2:10, NKJV).

In Scripture, “goodness” involves not only exhibiting right behavior but also avoiding its opposite, evil. Goodness is holiness put into practice. Goodness is what we do; otherwise, it’s not “goodness” at all. The word translated “goodness” (agathosune) in Galatians 5:22 denotes an active, even aggressive, goodness. More than an excellence of character, it is character energized, expressing itself in good deeds.
We often hear that someone has a “good heart” or
that someone is a “good soul.” However problematic that idea is theologically (see Jer. 17:9), it’s even more so in reality. A “good heart” or a “good soul” in and of itself means nothing. Instead, a “good heart” is revealed in good actions, good deeds, in concrete, practical acts of goodness that benefit others. Good intentions, good thoughts, good motives are fine and have their role, but in the end, goodness is to do good. We fool ourselves into thinking otherwise.
*Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 13.