I was surprised by how little there is in the Bible specifically about the various Fruits of the Spirit. I mean they’re the Fruits of the Spirit, right?!? Pretty important stuff.
Although the exact word for many may not appear many times in Scripture, we see plenty of examples of people living them… or living the opposite of them and experiencing the consequences.
One is the character in a story Jesus told to illustrate how we are to love others, the second-most important commandment in Scripture. Jesus didn’t call him the Good Samaritan, but we do. It reminds us that in the mind of Jesus’ Jewish listeners, a Samaritan was anything but good. The parable should have shown His people as much about how to be good to others as much as hold up a mirror to their pride and lack of love for others.
Agathōsynē
Athōsynē, the Greek word translated goodness in Galatians 5:22-23, the list of the Fruits of the Spirit, is very much like our word goodness. It incorporates aspects of virtue, beneficence, and generosity. In some translations, another of these terms is used. Goodness encompasses them all. According to Strong’s, it’s from the root agathos, which means goodness in any sense. Usually used as a noun, it’s a benefit, or anything good to receive or give.
While goodness well represents its Greek counterpart, our word for love falls short. Read more.
Jesus, of course, is the ultimate example of goodness. Goodness isn’t weak. It isn’t about pacifying others. It’s not merely nice. Goodness stands for what is right, regardless of the cost. It’s fueled by time alone with God. It may cost everything, but everything given will be restored, in this world or the next.
The goodness generated in us by the Holy Spirit has a heart to share what we are blessed with, and give to others, not just materially.
Listen When He Speaks
As we continue our look at the Fruits of the Spirit, Goodness is our theme for July.
Our suggested memorization passage is 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12.
