Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Fruit of the Spirit - week 6 - GOODNESS

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!  His faithful love endures forever."  Psalm 107:1

How do you define "goodness"?  Psalm 107 tells us "God is good" and then goes on to give us several examples of his goodness. 

This Psalm offers us two views of God's goodness.  We can read the Psalm from the point of view of those in need.  The need can be real or a metaphor for something like depression, addiction, or spiritual wandering.  Can you relate to those in need?

In each scenario, the people in need did the same thing.  Think about a time when you were in need.  What did you do?  How do you respond to difficulties or trouble in your life?

We can also read the Psalm from the point of view of what God did.  In each situation, God responded the same way.  What does this mean for you in your life?  This is not only a promise of what God will do when we cry out to him in our trouble, it is also an example of how we should respond to those in need.  Matthew 5:16 speaks more of this example, "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

So, is being good all that difficult?  Most of us are moved to action when we see friends, family, even strangers or animals who are in need.  We make meals, we offer shelter, we pray, we donate, we volunteer: something to ease the burdens or suffering of those we love and the innocent.  But is that the Goodness that the Spirit gives us?  Luke 6:27-36 offers up a more challenging form of Goodness!  It is this scripture where Jesus tells us to "... love your enemies.  Do good to those who hate you." (Luke 6: 27b).   I can't help but think that this is the "goodness" that God displayed in Psalm 107:11, "They rebelled against the words of God, scorning the counsel of the Most High", yet he still saved them.  Now that's the kind of goodness that comes from the Holy Spirit!  I can only speak for myself, but if Jesus wants me to do good to those who hate me, I will definitely need His help!

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly

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