GOODNESS GRACIOUS

GOODNESS GRACIOUS!

Gal 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Ps 23:6

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

           Last night I had the privilege to give the invocation at the LVN pinning ceremony for our local community college. Fifteen new nurses now proudly wear a silver pin. One lady was my own age and no longer young. She received the “persistence” award because she overcame the obstacle of age to pursue a goal that would allow her be more useful on medical mission trips.

           Goodness gracious! We say it all the time as a by word but what are the qualities associated with those two words? Well, “goodness” in the Old Testament is the Hebrew word towb (tobe) and it means “beautiful, better, best, and bountiful.” I suppose it is best understood when it is placed beside the word bad or badness.

           Can irreligious people be and do good? Adam Clarke says that goodness is    “The perpetual desire and sincere study, not only to abstain from every appearance of evil, but to do good to the bodies and souls of men to the utmost of our ability. But all this must spring from a good heart-a heart purified by the Spirit of God.” Jesus said: “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” Matt 7:18

           The word “gracious” in the Hebrew is chanan and means “ to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior.” This is what God does for us time and again. He is good and His mercy endures forever. We who are His children draw from His goodness and minister mercy to the less fortunate.

Num 6:24-26

24 The Lord  bless thee, and keep thee:

25 The Lord  make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

26 The Lord  lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Dear Lord, I am not good. Any goodness or grace in me comes from Thee. Thank you for allowing me to be an instrument of Thy grace. AMEN