The Fruits of The Spirit: Goodness

"Goodness"

Oh no. I think this is gonna be a tough one. Goodness vs Kindness. Whats the difference. Usually i write these knowing what im going to write, but this time around... im kinda diving it blinded.. i dont want to repeat what was said previously :S Lets check the dictionary.

Kindness: the state or quality of being kind

Goodness: the state or quality of being good

Well. Thats helpful. But if you look carefully, there's one big difference. Kind and Good. This is how i interpret it at the moment. Kindness, thats the act of showing your love towards someone. For instance, helping them out with homework when they dont understand. Whereas goodness, its more of obedience. When someone says your kind, you're nice. When someone says you're good, you're obedient. Thats what im going to talk about.

Goodness is one of the fruits of the Spirits. I guess this means to be obedient to God's word and commands. Before we dig into any type of fruit, watermelon, or blueberry, lets confirm that ACTS does not lead to SALVATION. Faith does. This does not mean go kill people, but with our faith, with our relationship we Christ, we have the want and urge to follow and serve Christ. Through this, we should obey him. For instance, the 10 commandments, do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not have other Gods before Christ, we know the 10 commandments. But do you really keep them?

For instance, you may say, "i havent committed adultery", but;

²⁷ "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' ²⁸But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. - Matthew 5:28-29

By being "good", just like being kind, there arent really consequences when compared to the bad. When someone is "bad" they can get in trouble, they face punishments for their actions. Unlike kindness, where there arent bad consequences, being "good", there can be. You can be made fun of for standing up for someone, you can be hated on for being such a goody-too-shoes, or a teacher's pet. But i dont think you should be ashamed of that. Just like kindness, when you have goodness, people question, people spark curiosity, and through this we can share the gospel. Be "good" even to the people who do bad to you.

Throughout the posting and writing of this post, i've been asking my friends on what they think is the difference between Goodness and Kindess. here's what one of my friends had to say that got me thinking. What do you think?

Kindness: The actions of genuine grace

Goodness: The sincere motivations of the actions

So from that im understanding, that Goodness provokes kindness? I guess we all have our perspectives. I confess, ha, i dont know everything. I will definitely look into this :) I guess thats all i have to say today! Im thinking about future fruits... i have a feeling they just might get harder and harder. See you tomorrow, Golden Duck Awards and Faithfulness comes next!

P.S. searching up bible verses on goodness... they seemed to be more directed at God's goodness... but we need to bear these fruit. I think the verse i chose today is perfect :)

verse of the day: Romans 14:15

The kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.