Good Ground: Goodness

Scripture References: Galatians 5:22-23; Micah 6:8; Exodus 34:6-7; Genesis 1-3; Psalm 73

Intro: Welcome. Today we conclude our "Good Ground" sermon series on the Fruit of the Spirit by tackling Goodness. Of all the fruits, goodness arguably has the worst "PR." We associate it with being boring (Ned Flanders?), restrictive, or simply the absence of obvious wrongs ("don't do bad things"). But biblical goodness is far more compelling. Let's rehabilitate its image and discover why we should eagerly desire it.

Key Points:

1. Defining Goodness: Reflecting God's Character: Goodness isn't just avoiding evil or being "nice." Biblically, God is the standard of goodness – His perfect moral excellence (love, justice, mercy, patience, faithfulness - Ex 34:6-7). His goodness is particularly seen in His generosity in creation and redemption (culminating in Good Friday). For us, goodness means reflecting His character.
2. The Pattern: Micah 6:8: "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness [hesed/steadfast love], and to walk humbly with your God?" This summarizes goodness: imitate God's justice and steadfast love, grounded in humility.
3. Challenge 1: "Goodness Doesn't Work": Culture often portrays pragmatic power and moral compromise as pathways to success, while goodness seems naive or ineffective ("nice guys finish last"). The Bible counters this short-sighted view:
   • Eternal Perspective: True success is measured by God's eternal kingdom values (humility, faith), not temporary power or wealth.
   • Ultimate Justice: God will bring justice; wickedness ultimately fails (Psalm 73).
   • Aligns with Creation's "Grain": Living God's way generally leads to more flourishing because He designed the world to work that way (Proverbs).
4. Challenge 2: "Goodness is Boring": Culture often lies, painting transgression as exciting and goodness as dull. The reality (per Simone Weil) is the opposite:
   • Real Evil is Empty: Sin promises much but ultimately leaves us barren and trapped (e.g., Hugh Hefner's end).
   • Real Goodness is Rich: Life's deepest joys and satisfactions are found in goodness (love, true friendship, generosity, work well done). Goodness reflects God and leads to true life.
5. How to Cultivate Goodness: Walk Humbly With God (Micah 6:8):
   • Humbly: Acknowledge God defines good, not us. Confess sin and need for His wisdom. Be pliable.
   • With God: Gaze upon His goodness revealed in Scripture and Jesus. We are transformed by what we behold.
   • Walk: Actively practice goodness—do justice, love mercy/kindness—in your daily sphere (home, work, community). Pursue excellence as reflecting Him.

Conclusion: Biblical goodness is dynamic and desirable – actively reflecting God's generous, just, and merciful character. It's the soil where true flourishing happens. Don't buy the cultural lies; goodness aligns with reality and leads to life. It's cultivated by walking humbly with our good God.

Call to Action: Ask God to give you a fresh, compelling vision of His goodness. Choose humility today – confess where you've tried to define good for yourself. Spend time looking at God's goodness in His Word. Then, take one small step to "walk" it out – do justice or love kindness in a specific situation this week.

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Good Ground: Goodness (Micah 6:8)
with David Jansson