Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

Demonstrate God’s Goodness

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/17/24

The goodness of God within our lives is often revealed through our actions. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we gain the ability to be good people—but only as we live our lives for Jesus Christ. Apart from Him we can do nothing!

The Lord told His disciples, “There is only One who is good,” and that, of course, is God, the Holy One of Israel (Matthew 19:17). With the fall of man, we were separated from God, unable to be wholly good (see Isaiah 59:2). But in Christ we are made new, and by His Spirit we are able to “clothe [ourselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). This is the goodness that comes from the heart of God. It is planted within us when the Holy Spirit dwells in us and we lay our selfish desires aside.

The Good Samaritan sacrificed financial gain and personal reputation in order to help someone he did not even know. Take a moment to read this story in Luke 10:30-37. This act of goodness can only be born from the heart of God.

Throughout life, we will meet people who are careless with their words and actions. Everything within us will want to fight back, but we must come to a point where we level our eyes at the deepest intent of our hearts and ask, “Am I demonstrating God’s goodness or my self-righteousness?”

The Holy Spirit, who lives within us, is our guide to godliness, which will be reflected in the love and mercy we extend to even the most unlovely person. The next time you face a difficult situation, take time to pray and ask God to live His life through you.

Prayer: Father, it is not humanly possible for me to be good on my own, but I know that You can show me how to be both kind and good. I submit to You; lead me in Your ways. Mold me so that I can become more like You, reflecting Your character. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, . . .” (Luke 6:45).