Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
The fruit of the spirit is…goodness.
In order to really understand goodness, let’s take a look at the parable of the Good Samaritan.
I’ll venture to say that most of us are familiar with the story of the good samaritan. A man (who is believed to possibly have been a Jew)had been beaten and robbed, and was lying on the side of the road. A priest passed by him and did not stop to help. A Levite passed by him and did not stop to help. Then a Samaritan stopped to help, cared for his wounds, and took him to an inn where he paid the innkeeper to take care of him.
It’s easy to read this story and say, “I would have helped him.” But when you really understand what’s going on behind the scenes, you gain a little more understanding and perspective.
Jews and Samaritans had a deep hatred of one another, they were enemies. So, for a Samaritan to help a Jew was not something that would have normally taken place. Then, not only did the Samaritan help the man,he went out of his way and paid for him to be taken care of.
Do you have an enemy? Maybe someone that you strongly dislike? Imagine they are desperate for your help. Could you find it within yourself to help? How about going above and beyond for them?
This is goodness.
It was out of the goodness of his heart that the Samaritan helped the man. He did not care if he was his enemy. He found compassion deep within his heart.
You might also question why the first two men didn't stop to help. The priest didn’t stop for the risk of being unclean. His religious rules were more important to him than the man lying on the road. He actually went out of his way to stay away from the man.
Another reason for staying away may have been for fear that the robbers were still nearby. Again, this theory would mean that fear or selfishness kept them away.
No matter what the reason for passing by, these men represent us many times.
I will be honest to say that I’m not sure if I could go above and beyond. I think I would help, but not put in extra effort. Our selfishness, bitterness, and pride often get in the way and keep us from giving others the goodness in our hearts.
If there are people in our lives that we struggle with in this area, consider opening your heart to forgiveness so that your heart will be more open to giving goodness.
Journal prompt: Would I go out of my way for someone that I don’t get along with? Am I allowing selfishness, bitterness, or pride to get in the way of goodness? Are there people in my life that I need to forgive in order to let goodness shine through?
Lord Jesus, forgive me for allowing selfishness, bitterness, and pride to keep me from being the person you want me to be. Please help me to learn from the good samaritan and give others compassion even if they are someone I don’t get along with. Help me to forgive those that I have not, and I pray that goodness will flow from within my heart. Amen
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