Fruit of the Spirit @ Work – Goodness

What is goodness? It’s one of those things that defy precise definition, and yet we feel we know it when we see it. In the workplace, we may feel we don’t see it very often, at least not without strings. What should others see in us if we truly exhibit this segment of the Spirit’s fruit?

At its simplest, goodness could be described as Godliness, or a likeness to God. In that sense the more the Spirit is in control, the more goodness will be visible. (I discovered, rather to my surprise, that there is probably no etymological link between the words god and good, but I still think there’s a link in their meanings.) What are some of the things that come to mind when we say that a person displays goodness, or just that a person is a good person? Sincerity, honesty, and morality perhaps? Or perhaps truthfulness, dependability, or trustworthiness? Sometimes it implies an element of doing what is right (righteousness), which in turn means doing what pleases God and benefits our fellow humans. Regardless of how we view it, though, there is a comfortable, warm feeling that comes from being in such a person’s presence – we feel safe, we trust them. We wish everyone we dealt was the same way.

At the same time, apparently the Greek word translated goodness (agathosune) is an active, rather than a passive word – it speaks to our actions which in turn reveals our character, and that of the Spirit if we allow it.

It would be interesting to know if others think of us as good wouldn’t it? How would we find out? Perhaps by seeing how much others trust us, and how much they’re prepared to depend on us? Perhaps we could even ask them. When I enter into a negotiation with somebody who knows me, will they assume a good-faith negotiation, or will they be on their guard? When I purchase a service or product from somebody, do they see the need to demand a retainer or large deposit to protect their interests? (This is a tricky one, particularly when we have cash flow issues – see last week’s post on Justice – Paying Bills. It does illustrate the degree to which what we do bears witness to what we are.)

As always, it has to be my constant prayer that God’s goodness will shine through me, that my own selfishness and sinfulness will be increasingly set aside to make room for the fruit of the Spirit – goodness. Pure goodness isn’t something I can generate by or from myself, unless the Spirit is in me. It is the Spirit of Christ who reveals the goodness of God Himself.