The Olive Branch

Hello, welcome back to the blog! The fruit of the spirit we are talking about today is goodness. Someone with goodness is described as being virtuous and morally good. We can look to the Bible for guidance on what is good and morally right. Obedience, studying God’s word, operating in the fruits of the spirit, prayer, and following the Ten Commandments are just a few of the good things the word of God instructs us to do. The Bible also warns us of things that are evil, Galantines 5: 19-20 lists many of these things. It’s important to note, that we live in a world that sometimes calls good things evil and evil things good. Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”(ESV) This is why it’s so important that we use the word of God to discern what is truly good and right. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (ESV) We are also warned to be careful of the people we choose to spend time with. These are the people that have the greatest influence on us and 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.”(ESV) Just like the rest of the fruits of the spirit, goodness is something we should strive for that will make us more like Christ. God is so good, we see it in his mercy toward us and we see his good works around us. Genesis 1:3-4 says, “And God said “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good.”, and in John 8:12 Jesus says, “ I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Jesus is the good light of the world, and in order to operate in goodness we must hide that light in our hearts. How do we do this? Psalm 119 verse 105 says, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light onto my path.” (ESV) and verse 11 says, “ I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (NIV) By studying and obeying the Bible, we can hide God’s light and goodness in her hearts and share it with others. This week, make it a point to get into the word of God and operate in goodness. Thank you for reading!

Your Friend, Olivia

Romans 12:21 “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” (NIV)