Goodness
This is weirdly a tough subject. The task? Defining Goodness.
It doesn’t seem that it should be that hard but . . .
Here at Backyard Conversations we have been ruminating on what are called the “philosophical transcendentals,” or the ideas of “Truth, Beauty and Goodness.” And we are asking the obvious – Why do these concepts matter? We have spoken on how the world wants to manipulate truth. In our world today, we will hear someone say quite persuasively, “Truth depends on your perspective” or “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder” or “Everybody has their own opinion on goodness.” Or the clincher – “It’s all relative.”
I have previously noted here at One Hundred-Fold Ministries that we live in a world of lies and that the lies are very convincing and that these lies also kill. I mean, they really do kill. Relationships. Dreams. People. So let’s confront the lies that our opinions on goodness depend on the circumstances
Moral “goodness” is not "relative.” Some have said that as darkness is the absence of light and cold is the absence of heat then “Goodness is the absence of evil.” Maybe, but I prefer to think of goodness as The Presence of God. He, Jesus, is pure goodness.
Jesus famously confronted the rich young ruler with these words about goodness:
Mark 10:17-18
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?” But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone."
Jesus is begging the question, largely for his spectators I think. He is about to contrast the self-perceived goodness of this rich man (“The commandments you ask – I have kept them all.”) and Jesus’ own eternal and holy GOODNESS! We will never come close to the holiness of God!
And while we cannot hope to match God in His holiness, we can abide in Him and grow in our practice of goodness. In Galatians 5:22-23 the Apostle Paul lists the “fruit” or the “resultant” in us that come from the Spirit’s indwelling. As the Holy Spirit works in our lives, our inner character changes. Where we had once harbored selfishness, jealousy, and anger we now possess love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Everything in this list of “fruit” reflects the character of God, and goodness is one that relates directly to our moral character as it relates to others. Goodness is always noticed in community!
In human terms, goodness is virtue in action. It results in a life characterized by . . . good deeds! When Jesus teaches us to “shine our light” in the world, that is accomplished through our “good deeds” (Matthew 5:16). Deeds motivated by righteousness and a desire to be a blessing.
Agathosune is the Greek word translated “goodness,” and is defined as "uprightness of heart and life." Agathosune is goodness for the benefit of others, not goodness so that I can be known for being a good person! It is unpretentious and naturally bestowed. Goodness is a kingdom expression of our love for the Good King, which we willingly serve. We seek to do good because He is good.
Someone with the gift of agathosune will sacrificially act on behalf of others. Giving to the poor, being kind to a stranger, offering finances and time generously to those in need, visiting the imprisoned and sick, even praying for an enemy: These are the acts of goodness that unleashes the light of Christ. You have met these people; they are easy to be around. They ask questions about your life and live in an other-centered manner. Being kind for goodness sake is an attitude to be nurtured!
With the Thanksgiving holiday so recently in our rear view mirror we should remember that God’s goodness should lead to our thankfulness: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).
There is only One who is fully and truly good—God. This good God invites us to seek him and to “taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8).
