Help is one of the most powerful words in the world. It’s a starting point for healing, faith, humility, growth. Confessing four little letters can completely change the trajectory of your life.
-Psalms 54:4 God is my helper, the sustainer of my soul.
Fruit of the Spirit—Goodness by Lauren Abraham
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
“As the Holy Spirit works in our lives, our character is transformed. In the areas of our lives where we once held onto sin, which reflects our human nature, we can now possess the fruits of the Spirit and reflect God’s character.
One of the fruits of the Spirit is goodness. So, what does this mean, and how can it be applied to our lives?
Growing up, we were often told to “be good.” Maybe this looked like helping your mom with the household chores or getting good grades in school.
I think the true meaning of the word “goodness” is commonly overlooked, though. Goodness is action; it’s not something we do only for the sake of being virtuous.
When we strive to be “good” only for our own benefit, it is not truly goodness that we possess. In Greek, the word goodness, “agathosune,” means “an uprightness of heart and life” (Thayer & Strong, 1995).
When we act out of true goodness of the heart and reflect the fruit of the Spirit, we are obedient to God’s commandments and seek the benefit of others. Our actions come from a place of selflessness, and we place the needs of others before our own.
Does this sound familiar?
The life of Jesus Christ is the perfect example of goodness, as He died on the cross for the sins of humanity in order to give us the gift of eternal life. His ministry and sacrifice is an example of God’s goodness toward mankind. After all, the term “gospel” means “good news.”
Peter, a disciple of Jesus, talks about the goodness of Jesus’ ministry in Acts 10:38: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.”
In addition, Jesus is called the “good shepherd” in Scripture, because He laid down His life for His sheep.
We are called as Christians to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Goodness is not about doing elaborate things to gain recognition. Oftentimes, it is the small acts of goodness we do throughout our day that mean the most to those around us.
Is your friend having a bad day? Write them a note to let them know how much you care about them. Is someone putting you down? Pray for them.
It is in these acts of goodness that we reflect Christ’s character and possess an the fruit of the Spirit. While it may seem like no one notices, God does. Ultimately, when we show goodness, we bring glory to God’s name.”
Sometimes taking one step too far can have consequences.
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Sometimes you have to move like a snail to reach your destination.
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No matter what season we are in, we need to take time to listen…
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You’re still fully loved even when your stuck in faith and doubt cycle.
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The smallest act of mercy makes the biggest difference.
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Excerpt from:
A Breath of Inspiration written by Monica Cane
Available at: http://www.MonicaCane.com
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What a season it has been.
A virus, unseen to the naked eye, wreaked havoc on all mankind for almost the entire year.
Drastically affecting one of the most natural things often taken for granted in our world, fellowshipping with one another.
Even the greatest introvert, who adores solitude, has missed having the ability to stand quietly near strangers in this season.
And as for the extroverts, well… all the social distancing has just about pushed them over the edge entirely.
Yet here we are.
With our masks and face shields, goggles and other protective, distancing gear.
We are here, not all but most.
We are here, fully alive in a completely upside down world.
Cures are being considered, vaccines created and yes, in time this too shall pass.
But as of today, while we are here, in the thick of it all, tired of it all, remember these three simple words: Don’t Lose Sight.
Don’t lose sight of goodness, hope, gratitude, purpose, love, kindness, faith, truth.
Don’t lose sight of God.
Just because “our normal” stopped existing, doesn’t mean God did.
In fact, with the ways of mankind coming to a screeching halt in 2020 perhaps our Divine Creator was simply giving each of us the time to reset, regroup, refresh and refocus on Him for a brand new season ahead.
Fresh snow on a cold winter’s day covers a once well-traveled path. Erasing all signs of prior activity, no shoe prints or hoof marks, no sprigs of dried grass peeking through, no fallen branches or twigs. Just a thick layer of pure white snow covering it all.
Untouched and untraveled, one might believe the flawless snowy path hints towards something new and mysterious, perhaps an opportunity of potential.
And yes, that may be true, but even the most magnificent path of fresh fallen powder has no real significance unless the path leads to warmth, truth and love. Unless it leads to You.
Author Monica Cane 