But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
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This week we are going to talk about another “fruit of the Spirit” – goodness. Remember that the fruits of the spirit are character traits that help us to become more like Jesus. Goodness is more than just being “good”. Goodness is reflecting God’s goodness for others just like a mirror reflects light.
If you hold a mirror in the sunshine, you can tilt the mirror to catch the light and reflect it in another direction. (But don’t shine it in someone’s eyes! It’s too bright!) You can see the small shape of light from the mirror. I reflected mine on the side of the house. Just like your mirror reflected the light of the sun, you can reflect the goodness of God to others like Jesus did.
Jesus said in Mark 10:18, “Why do you call me good? “Only God is truly good.” So, when Jesus performed His miracles, and taught in the temple, and helped people, He was reflecting the goodness of God for everyone to see. And as we try to become more like Jesus, we want do things for others so that we can reflect the goodness of God, too!
Reflecting God’s Goodness Like Jesus
Jesus fed the hungry.
Maybe I can give boxes of my favorite mac & cheese to our food bank, or help my mom fix a meal for someone who is hungry.
Jesus cared for the sick.
Maybe I can bring flowers to our neighbor just home from the hospital or I can make cards for people at the nursing home.
Jesus taught in the temple.
Maybe I can share my favorite Bible verse with my Sunday school, or I can invite my friends to come to church with me.
Jesus listened to people.
Maybe I can spend some time with Jenna because she’s worried her mom is sick, or I can talk with Jeff at lunch because he always sits by himself.
Jesus prayed for others.
Maybe I can pray for my friends and family, and I can pray, “Thank you, Jesus, for helping me to become more like you and reflect the goodness of God!”
This week talk with your parents and decide on something you can do for someone else to reflect God’s goodness like Jesus did.
I will pray for each of you to become shining examples of God’s goodness to others!
Blessings and joy as you shine God’s goodness for others just like Jesus!
