The Fruit of the Spirit – Goodness & Faithfulness
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Chapter 7 – Goodness
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In our study this week, we’re digging into the essence of goodness, a fruit of the Spirit that brightly reflects God’s character. As we discussed in chapter one, Joseph’s profound love for his brothers stood out, and today, I’d like to revisit his story once more. If you’re not yet familiar, Joseph is a key figure in the book of Genesis, known for his colorful coat—a gift from his father, Jacob. Despite the bitter jealousy of his brothers which led to his sale into slavery in Egypt, Joseph’s life was a testament to choosing goodness amidst adversity.
Now, it’s worth pausing to remember just what Joseph faced. Sold into slavery by his own flesh and blood, falsely accused and thrown into prison—yet he never allowed these circumstances to harden his heart or diminish his integrity. His unwavering commitment to goodness, even in the direst of situations, sets a powerful example for us.
And, this brings to mind the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 that we’re studying in our guide this week. All ten virgins had lamps, but five were foolish—they failed to recognize that a lamp without oil, much like a religion without Christ, doesn’t shine. This is where Joseph’s life holds a lesson for us. Like the wise virgins, Joseph was spiritually prepared, his ‘lamp’ was filled with the ‘oil’ of faith and goodness, allowing him to shine brightly even in the midst of darkness.
Choosing goodness, like Joseph did, isn’t always easy. It can be hard when we’re confronted with unfair situations or when our trust is broken by those we care about. But Joseph’s life story reminds us that our character—our decision to embody goodness—is not determined by our circumstances, but by our relationship with God.
Even when he ascended to a position of great authority in Egypt, Joseph’s goodness remained steadfast. He had the power to retaliate against his brothers when they came seeking help during a famine, but he chose forgiveness and generosity instead. His response was a display of divine goodness, a reflection of his deep, abiding connection with God.
As we explore Joseph’s life further this week, and reflect on the parable of the ten virgins, I invite you to consider how these examples might inspire us to nurture and express the fruit of goodness in our own lives. May we, like Joseph and the wise virgins, keep our ‘lamps’ filled and ready, shining the light of God’s love and character in a world that so desperately needs it.
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Chapter 8 – Faithfulness
This week in our study, we’re diving into the fruit of the Spirit known as faith or faithfulness—a beautiful testament to God’s steadfast nature. As we look at faithfulness, I want us to focus on two biblical figures who lived this out in extraordinary ways: Daniel and Abraham.
Abraham’s story, (featured in our study guide this week), has so much to teach us. Despite the immense costs, Abraham chose to follow God with unwavering dedication—a true portrait of faithfulness. His obedience in leaving behind his homeland for an unknown future, his willingness to sacrifice Isaac—all these bear witness to a heart deeply committed to trust and faithfulness.
Then we look at Daniel, a young man uprooted from Jerusalem and taken as a captive to Babylon. He could have easily let his circumstances lead him astray, compromise his faith, and blend into the culture around him. Yet, Daniel chose faithfulness. He held onto his devotion to God, maintaining his dietary habits as a testament to God’s commandments.
But faithfulness wasn’t just an occasional act for Daniel—it was a way of life, a rhythm that pulsed with unwavering trust in God. Even when his jealous rivals orchestrated a deadly trap for him, Daniel didn’t let fear shake his faith. He stood firm, praying to God as he always did, despite the imminent danger.
And there, in the den of lions, God proved His faithfulness. He protected Daniel, reminding us that faithfulness isn’t just about our commitment—it’s also about God’s unending faithfulness to us.
So, as we reflect on faithfulness this week, let’s ask ourselves—how unwavering is our trust in God? How steadfast is our faith, especially when life throws us curveballs? Are we demonstrating faithfulness in our walk with Him, honoring God in our daily decisions?
Remember, our faithfulness is more than just reliability—it’s a reflection of God’s steadfastness. When we embody this fruit of the Spirit, we show the world the dependable nature of our God. It’s about honoring Him with our unwavering faith and standing as living proof that He is a God who never fails us.
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