This month, I will be focusing on one of the Fruits of the Spirit: Goodness. Through good times and bad, God is always at work in our lives. When we follow His plan for us, we are never left to walk alone.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Roman 8:28)
It’s easy to become disillusioned about the goodness in life. When we are confronted with bad things that happen to good people, we can easily wonder about how it happened. Or even wonder if those good people are as good as we assume.
But goodness isn’t a guarantee in our lives. Living in a broken, sin-fueled world means that goodness is not the default, but rather something that has to be reached for. And gifted.
Does our sin mean we will see more evil and pain than goodness in our days? No. Does living a godly life and checking all the boxes of righteous behavior equal a life filled with goodness? Also no.
We cannot completely guard against evil in life because we live in a world where it does exist. And bad things do happen regardless of whether we are “good” people or not.
But we can be assured that God does not leave us without hope. That goodness will come back into our lives even during the darkest days.
God always works for goodness
Our world may be broken, but our God is not. He is the epitome of goodness, both sharing that characteristic with us and showing us how to share it with others.
Without His example, how would be know how to be good parents, friends, and Christians? Without His goodness, how would we get through pain, hurt, and disappointment?
When we follow the purpose God has set for our lives, we will encounter problems, setbacks, and opposition. But He will not let us stumble about in the dark. His goodness is our light, guiding us along the path.
His goodness is our balm and gives us the strength to keep moving forward.
How many times have you seen obstacles fall away that were hindering you from God’s work? God is attentive to our prayers and doesn’t let us flounder when we are fulfilling His purpose.
I try to remember that when things get derailed. Either the plan wasn’t God’s and He has rerouted me, or the plan was according to His will and His goodness will clear the way.
I pray that you will spend today looking for the goodness that God has placed in your path and see how you can show that same goodness with the people in your life.
Have a blessed Monday!
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