Study #49: LAMED
LAMED: THE GOAD OF DISCIPLESHIP: (PART 7)
THE 5 BLESSINGS OF THE ONE NEW MAN IN CHRIST (PART 7)
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: GOODNESS
The world defines “the good life” in terms of wealth, good health, comfort and fulfilling relationships.
But for us, living a life close to God with all the great benefits of His covenantal love is truly the good life!
For GOODNESS is rooted in God’s essential nature. Thus He provides abundantly for mankind’s needs and benefits (Psalm 23:6; Psalm 65:11).
In the light of this understanding, God is good even to the unrighteous.
Paul encourages us to do good to other believers: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart…” (Galatians 6:9-10). Jesus went further: do good to everyone, even our enemies when He said: “…do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27 –28). Like Him, we should go “about doing good” (Acts 10:38) regardless whether the beneficiary is friend or foe. In one short sentence, Paul sums it up: “Through love, serve one another” (Galatians 5:13 ).
But we have an enemy within ourselves. We harbour unforgiveness and bitterness against those who wronged us. This is where we are tested – for God knows how much we love Him by how much we are willing to show self-sacrificing love for other people (Matthew 25:31-46). Forgiveness is part of showing GOODNESS as such.
Paul explained to believers that God’s perfect, loving character is “poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). John added: “By this we know we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit” (1 John 4:13).
Abba Father, Badness comes naturally (Romans 8:7). But GOODNESS does not. Thankfully You have given us the Holy Spirit to radically transform our character and to help us overcome that fleshly nature to live a life of righteousness and GOODNESS. This is possible only through a close relationship with the Holy Spirit who cultivates in us the fruit of GOODNESS that leads to the gift of eternal life. Let us be mindful to live “without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9).
