GOODNESS


The word “goodness” comes from the Greek word, “agathosune” which describes active goodness, virtue, excellence or beneficence. It is high moral character reflected in to being good in both nature and effectiveness.

“Agathosune” finds in its fullest and highest expression in that which is willingly and sacrificially done for others. It is moral and spiritual excellence manifested in active kindness. It describes a positive moral quality characterized especially by interest in the welfare of others. It also refers to active goodness as an energetic principle. It is the generosity which springs from the heart that is kind and will always take care to obtain for others that which is useful or beneficial.

C NORMAN BARTLETT writes that the real meaning of this word is generosity in things material and things spiritual. Niggardliness impoverished while liberality enriched the soul; or as Scripture puts it, “The liberal soul shall be made fat.” In the realm of the spirit we lose what we keep and keep what we lose for Jesus’ sake.
(Matthew 16:25)

WILLIAM BARCLAY writes that “agathosune” is peculiarly Bible word and does not occur in secular Greek. It is the widest word for goodness; it is defined as virtue equipped at every point. What is the difference? “Agathosune” might, and could, rebuke and discipline’ “cherstotes”, kindness, can only help. Trench says that Jesus shoed “agathosune” when He cleansed the Temple and drove out those who were making it a bazaar, but He showed “chrestotes” when He was kind to the sinning woman who anointed His feet. The Christian needs that goodness
Which at one and the same time can be kind and strong.

RAY STEDMAN says that God’s goodness is the answer to the question: Is this a friendly universe? The answer is yea; when we come to the end of our thinking we find that behind the vastness of this universe stands a God who cares about what He has made. He is not indifferent or undecided or absent, but He is fully involved for the good of the universe because He Himself is a good God.

EDWARD CARNELL in his book “Christian Commitment rightly reminds us that God never urges Himself to be good, because He is good.

JOHN PIPER commenting on Carnell’s declaration that His nature always inclines irresistibly toward righteousness. God is never torn by evil motives. God is light and in Him is not darkness at all. So He does not need to be reminded about the duty of His deity. No one needs to say, “Now today, God, mind your manners, do what’s right, avoid evil, and remember the Ten Commandments.

EASTON’S BIBLE DICTIONARY on the Goodness of God:

A perfection of His character which He exercises towards His creatures according to their various circumstances; as exercised, and in the case of impenitent sinners, long-suffering patience; as exercised in communicating favor on the unworthy it is grace.

When was the last time you paused to ponder the goodness of God?

Would you consider taking a moment today from your busy schedule, finding a quiet place, turning off your cell phone, and choosing to purposefully set your mind on the things above rather than the things of this earth, which is passing away, and even its lusts?


Investments

I have a friend who is a rich investor. He doesn’t wear thousand dollar suits, however. I have never seen him in anything but old, work shirts and blue jeans. He doesn’t drive an expensive car either. I doubt if he has ever even owned a new car. He doesn’t live in some fancy mansion on a hill. His house is old and his furniture is worn, but that doesn’t bother him at all. You see my friend is an investor in goodness. He doesn’t earn any money from it, but the dividends he receives make him one of the richest men I know.I remember the hug he got once when he helped an elderly lady jump start her car. It was priceless. I remember the smile he got from a young boy after he fixed the boy’s bicycle. It was worth a fortune. I remember the warm thanks he got when he helped a poor family repair their home before Winter arrived. It was a treasure beyond compare. My friend never hoards the wealth he gets back from his "good" investments, either. He just keeps reinvesting them in his community and in this world everyday of his life.One of the greatest things about my friend’s investments too is that we all can make them. I intend to make as many of them as I can every chance that I get. There is no risk involved either. Henry David Thoreau said, "Goodness is the only investment that never fails." Invest in some goodness today then. Help a neighbor. Share some laughter with your friends. Give a smile to everyone you meet. Take your wealth of love, joy, and oneness with God and invest it in everything you do. I guarantee you that the return on your investments will be incredible and your compound interest will be out of this world. You might even become a goodness billionaire like my friend. He knows as well as anyone what the true riches of this world and the next world really are.