I think the necessity of goodness and the power it possess has lost some of its punch. English tends to dull some words that are more potent in the original, biblical languages.
We dull goodness when we say things like “Be a good girl” or “That pizza was so good.” Goodness is much more that well-behaved or tasty.

Goodness is actually a weapon of spiritual warfare. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21).

The goodness of man, by definition, is a deliberate choice over to do what is right over what is wrong.

Even more, the goodness of God is embodied in his benevolence toward his people, especially in times of their deepest need.

“The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation” (Ps. 145:9).
It is God’s goodness we are called to share with the lost and dying world. His goodness is our testimony to those who need to be showered with his compassion.
“You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (1Pet.2:9).

When we walk into the darkness and mess of other people’s lives and shine light, we bear the fruit of goodness. When we feed those who are hungry, when we love the loveless, when we offer compassion in place of judgment, mercy instead of shame and grace in place of guilt, we bear fruit of goodness. We bear the fruit of the Spirit of the Living God.

Serena DeGarmo
www.awordywoman.com