Day Seven ~GOODNESS
Key Bible Verse-
Matthew12:35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
Thoughts to ponder-
Goodness is the virtue of being favorable and possessing integrity. Easton's Bible Dictionary describes goodness like this: "Goodness in a man is not a mere passive quality, but the deliberate preference of right to wrong, the firm and persistent resistance of all moral evil, the choosing and following of all moral good."
There is a lot wrapped up in that definition. Simply said, goodness is a state of being AND doing. It is action and attitude tied together by choice. As believer's, we look to the Lord as our example. In Psalm 119:68 the author is speaking to God and says: "You are good and do good. Teach me Your statutes." To cultivate the virtue of goodness we must study God's word to learn about Him and His character since He IS good. We must be diligent students of Christ and avid listeners to the Holy Spirit in order to store up within us the good fruit we want to produce.
From beginning to end, the Bible reveals the moral divide between good and evil. God has even placed a conscience within us to help us determine the differences between the two. Our level of integrity will often be made know to us by the choices we make when no one else is watching. It is essential that we constantly try to do good things that honor God.
Challenge/Action Step-
The Bible has so much to say on the topic of goodness that it is difficult to cover well in a short devotional. Therefore, I would like to encourage you to do a quick word search for the words goodness, good and evil. Try to read about 3 to 4 verses for each word. Based on the verses you read write a definition for the goodness using your own words.
Prayer for today-
Father, you are good and you have called us to be filled with your goodness as well. Help us to make the right choices each and every day that are rooted in goodness, integrity and moral excellence. I pray that you would give us wisdom and understanding as we study your word and hide it in our hearts. ~ AMEN
4 comments:
I have to admit that I am a few days behind, so I am reading backwards, lol.
Goodness is one of those areas I personally struggle with. Inside my head, I am a selfish, greedy, lazy, and rather mean person. But the scripture you posted says, "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him."
People tell me I am a good person, and I do good things according to others. So, maybe I need to quit beating myself up for not living up the the ideal in my head (i.e. the perfect, loving woman comprised of all the best qualities I see in others that I want to possess). If my life is producing good things, then there must be a core of goodness in me that I forget to appreciate. (Like all women, I tend to focus on my shortcomings.) And any goodness in me is totally the product of a life lived believing and trusting God. Oh my, I just brought myself to tears, lol.
Matthew 12:35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
Lord, let people see good in me because it is really YOU who are good in me! Amen
Amen Rene!! You brought me to tears. I am so thrilled that God is ministering to you through this and revealing these awesome truths to you. Without Christ we are all selfish, lazy, greedy and mean. It is as we daily lay ourselves at the foot of the cross and allow God to mold us and shape us that we develop the fruit of the Spirit and live a life of GOOD!
Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Thank you. I see so much in myself that I want to change and, other than weight, it all deals with the Fruit of the Spirit. I never realized that before. I guess I need to start working on my spiritual garden to see the results I want. Thanks for doing this series!
You are most welcome, i am learning lots myself as I write it.
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