Goodness is the next fruit of the Spirit. While it includes acts of kindness, goodness goes beyond that—it encompasses honesty, fairness, and always choosing to do the right thing.
We display goodness when we use our financial resources to demonstrate God’s goodness and direct others toward Him. To embody goodness, we must first acknowledge that only God is truly good, and that all goodness flows from Him.
God is Good, and He Provides for Us by His Goodness
God is inherently good, and He blesses His children with good things. Recognizing God’s goodness in our lives is key to understanding how we should use our finances. We must thank Him daily for His faithfulness. Psalm 34:8 reminds us:
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!”
1 Chronicles 16:34 echoes this truth:
“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
Psalm 107 starts with an invitation to give thanks for God’s goodness:
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (verse 1)
The chapter goes on to highlight how God demonstrates His goodness: He redeems us, protects us, provides for us, heals us, and lifts us out of distress. The psalmist concludes with the call to reflect on God’s loving deeds:
“Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:43)
Jeremiah 33:9 further illustrates how God’s provision is rooted in His goodness:
“Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it.”
God Is Pleased When We Do Good
We honor God when we do good for others, especially by sharing the blessings He has given us. Hebrews 13:16 tells us:
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Demonstrating goodness points others to God’s love. 1 John 3:17-18 challenges us:
“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and in truth.”
Loving in deed means that we share what God has entrusted to us, including our finances. Failing to do so, particularly when it comes to caring for those in need, is a missed opportunity to reflect God’s love. James 4:17 says:
“Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”
Proverbs 21:13 offers a stern warning:
“Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”
Being Good Points Others to God
Jesus taught His followers in Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
We let our light shine when we share our resources and show goodness to others. Paul also encouraged the Galatians to persist in doing good:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10)
The harvest we reap by doing good will be souls added to God’s kingdom—a true treasure in Heaven.
Conclusion
God has been incredibly good to us, and He expects us to reflect His goodness by doing good for others, especially when it involves sharing our financial resources. By following God’s example, we can trust that He will meet all our needs.
Discussion Questions:
- Recognizing God’s Goodness:
How have you experienced God’s goodness in your life recently? How does recognizing His goodness impact the way you manage your finances? - The Role of Finances in Showing Goodness:
In what ways can our financial decisions reflect God’s goodness to others? Can you think of a time when you were able to use your resources to bless someone else? - Sharing and Generosity:
1 John 3:17-18 challenges us to love in deed and truth. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate God’s love through our financial resources, particularly in times of need? - The Connection Between Goodness and Obedience:
James 4:17 tells us that failing to do the good we know we should do is a sin. How does this verse challenge you to reconsider your approach to generosity and caring for others? - God’s Provision and Trusting Him:
Jeremiah 33:9 speaks about God’s goodness leading to prosperity. How does trusting in God’s provision influence your decisions about managing money and sharing with others? - Persevering in Doing Good:
Galatians 6:9-10 encourages us to continue doing good, especially for those in the faith. How do you stay motivated to keep doing good when you feel weary or discouraged, especially when it comes to financial giving? - A Life That Points Others to God:
Matthew 5:16 says we should let our good works shine before others to glorify God. How can we intentionally use our finances to point others to Christ, both within and outside the church community? - Reflecting on Personal Action:
As you reflect on your current financial situation, how can you align your use of money more closely with God’s goodness? Is there a specific change or action God is calling you to make?
Susan's Reflections 