Scripture Text: John 5:1-18
Memory Verse: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10
Lesson Aim: To understand the goodness element of the fruit of the Spirit in order for us to grow and exhibit goodness.
Goodness. Merely mentioning the word creates images of kindness, peace, thoughtfulness, giving, helpfulness, love, etc. Goodness is, “in character or constitution, the act of being or doing good”. God is essentially absolutely and totally good. However, as followers of Christ, this particular attribute of the fruit of the Spirit seems to be one many of us have trouble living out in our everyday lives.
Why? Most assuredly, goodness requires our denying ourselves and looking out for the interests of others. It calls for us to extend ourselves beyond the borders of comfort and the familiar. Goodness call us to break down the barriers of selfishness and risk not being compensated for the deed.
Some may think that a person has to be special to acquire goodness. We must remember that these are aspects of the Spirit that should be displayed in all of us as we grow in the things of God. Yes, we are someone special because of “Whose” we are. We are therefore expected to shine forth in goodness.
We are commanded to show the attributes of the Spirit in our lives, not only to show that we are a part of the Body of Christ, but also to help others see Christ in us, and be drawn to the Kingdom of God.
When we exhibit goodness, we show that we are fertile ground – ground that is fertile enough to bring forth buds and blossoms of consideration, honor, favor, kindness, virtue and generosity. It is beautiful to be the bearer of goodness! No tears, sorrow, hate, malice and fear have any place when goodness abides.
Some of us may want the fruit of the Spirit to be supernaturally poured out on us, but if God were to do that, no effort would be required on our part for growth. We must co-labor with God. That takes time and requires a passion to be more like Christ. Glory be to God, He has made provision for us to display this aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. Goodness!
Interact with God’s Word
- Why do you think David exclaimed, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13
- For what are we created? Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10
- What days of the week should we do good? Explain based on John 5:1-17
- Contrast the behavior of the principal characters in Luke 10:30-35. Why were the actions of the Good Samaritan noteworthy? Should doing good be dependent on our having all the resources to help?
- What are some of the ways we can express goodness? Matthew 25:34-46; Luke 6:35; Colossians 3:12-14
- In John 5:19-20, Jesus based His doing good on what He has seen His Father do. What should we gather from His response?
- What should motivate us to exhibit goodness? 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 6:9