31 Days to Fruitful Living — Day 24
Can I be honest? I don’t like to be good. The fruit of goodness requires me to extend myself to others — and sometimes I find that uncomfortable. I know that the Bible says I am supposed to meet the needs of the poor and hurting and the downtrodden, but some times I don’t want to. I’d rather sit on my couch and watch HGTV. I’d rather go to Starbucks with my friends. Id’ rather take a nap.
Cultivating this fruit will require sacrifice. I am going to have to say no to myself — to my selfishness, to my pride, to my prejudice, to my needs. Goodness puts others first, regardless of whether they are “nice” or “pretty” or “deserving.” Jesus didn’t come to meet the needs of people who had no needs. He came to save the lost and heal the brokenhearted. This is messy business.
Today, I read Emily’s story. She let a homeless woman take a nap in her car. I found myself wondering if I would have looked the other way.
Lord, help me see people the way that You do. Cultivate goodness in my selfish heart.
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“Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone.
If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody.
Don’t insist on getting even;
that’s not for you to do.
‘I’ll do the judging,’ says God. ‘I’ll take care of it.’
Our Scriptures tell us
that if you see your enemy hungry,
go buy that person lunch,
or if he’s thirsty,
get him a drink.
Your generosity will surprise him with goodness.
Don’t let evil get the best of you;
get the best of evil by doing good.
Romans 12:17-21, MSG
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Q4U: Is this an area you struggle in? How do you intentionally cultivate the fruit of goodness?
Thank you for joining me for Day 24!
Dear Lyli
Oh, dear friend, we are all selfish by nature, but goodness is not something we do, dear one; it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. All we need to do is to abide in our sweet Lord Jesus, stop trying to be good for without Him, we cannot do a single thing, and allow Him to live His life in and through us as we rest and abide in Him. Then, sweet friend, it comes as naturally as breathing! All the fruit of His Spirit are then lived out in our lives through Him and Him alone. We need to deny that “self” that wants to do the goodness thing!
Blessings and much love XX
Mia
So true, Mia! The fruit of the spirit is definitely an overflow of our heart that is connected to Him. 🙂