Goodness

"To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will  count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Goodness is different from kindness.  Whereas kindness is an outward exspression, goodness is the state of the heart.  Often that goodness is detected because of kind acts, but goodness goes deeper.  Goodness is a regenerated heart that loves so greatly and that is so connected to God that the attitude and actions of the body are naturally good.  Reactions of forgiveness, actions of kindness, words of encouragement and love, and prayers of intercession are just natural outpouring of a good heart.

When I first married my husband of 27 years, I would get frustrated because he would automatically respond to life's situations with Godly wisdom.  I would have to think it through, and often I would need to readjust my attitude or reaction to line up with God's Word.  He had become a Christian at age 9 along with his whole family.  They talked and taught the Christian faith throughout every day and circumstance.  I became a Christian at 13, but other than church attendance, had no influence in my daily walk. As I grew as a Christian, got into God's Word, and spent more time in praise and prayer, biblical thought patterns and reactions became more automatic.

Are you good?  Only you can answer that.  Only you know the true condition of your heart.  If the answer is "sometimes" or "no", then go to God with it and begin to pray that He will make your thoughts and attitudes glorify Him.  Notice in the verse above, that goodness and faith comes through and with the power of Jesus and is for His glory.  Your goodness will be a witness to others of God's goodness.

Hint of the day: Talk about God's goodness throughout your day with your spouse, kids, coworkers, or friends. Let your conversation be good and encouraging and uplifting.  Kindness can be learned, but goodness is a fruit thatmust grow natuarally from your walk with God.  Be in the word adn practice the presence of God.