Topic: Practising goodness
Bible Reading: Daniel 11-12; 3 John 1.
Memory Verse: “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” 3 John 1:11 (KJV)
Goodness is kindness, benevolence, benignity of heart, but more generally, acts of kindness, charity, humanity exercised. James Bryan Smith defines goodness as that which works for the benefit or betterment of another. That which is good makes us better, heals us, restores us, improves us, strengthens us and makes us right” So when you do what make others better, you are being good to them.
As a Christian you are created and called to do good. Ephesians 2:10 (KJV), “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” So when you selflessly give in a way that helps better someone else’s condition, when you build others up instead of tearing them down, when you choose to forgive and restore instead of being bitter and resentful, when you choose to stand up for truth even at the expense of your benefit, you are being good and living up to your calling as a child of God.
In fact, you are expected to practice goodness even in this world of selfishness such that others will see your good works and attest to your Christlikeness. This is why the Bible enjoins you in 3 John 1:11 (KJV), “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” When you practise goodness, it becomes your nature and that is what is expected of you as it is a fruit of those who are filled with the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:22-23).
It is important to note that goodness comes from a pure and righteous heart; it’s motivated by an innate drive to be like God and not just an outward behaviour. In fact, it is motivated by righteousness and fueled by love for God and for His creation. It is a product of love, mercy and justice. The Bible tells us of the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25- 35 who saw a man who was robbed and wounded and left half dead and he carried him, treated his wounds and took him to where he would be cared for and paid for the cost. Note that here, the Good Samaritan is not expecting any reward from the man rather he spent his money for the man’s goodness. Furthermore, his journey was inhibited a little but his choice of goodness stemming from love for his neighbour made him to prioritise the need of the man over his own immediate need.
Goodness surely has a cost and only a man with love of God will be ready to pay because that is what God asks you to do! Are you ready to practice goodness?
Prayer point: Father, please give me the grace to practice goodness in all I do in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero