“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness…” (Gal 5:22).
The word translated goodness (agathōsunē) here denotes that which is good, virtuous or beneficial. Relationally speaking, walking in goodness-love means you have your colleague’s best interests at heart always. You don’t seek to disadvantage your neighbour (see 1 Cor. 13:6). You desire only what is right and fitting for those you love. You don’t throw bad words at them. You don’t entertain evil thoughts against your brother or sister. You cannot be abusive. You never plan to fix people or plot against others. You don’t criticise unnecessarily but compliment as often as possible. You are positively predisposed toward others. You truly appreciate them. Jealousy has no room in your heart. Neither do envy and bitterness. Your motives toward others are pure and noble. We can’t be loving and mean simultaneously, brethren! Our love must not require defending and explaining or convincing! When it’s real, it will show. Let the goodness of God manifest in and through you today.
Pastor Josh