Santa Claus isn’t coming town; Jesus Christ is, and yes, you still need to be good for goodness sake. From the Greek word AGATHOSUNE the following definition is derived, “uprightness of heart and life,”[1] and “the act of generous giving, with the implication of its relationship to goodness: to be generous: generosity: but the Spirit produces love, joy…and generosity (Galatians 5:22).”[2]
Uprightness of heart and life:
The fruit bearing believer is honest, has scruples, shows a strict regard for what is morally right, and strictly adheres to moral principles.[3] Being full of goodness means you are just with everyone, and hold no prejudice in your heart. In essence, you are “color-blind” being good to one and all.
It’s easy to be good to those that are good to you, but what about being good to those that hurt you, or say evil things about you? Can you return good for the evil that is done to you? Believe me, this is a lot easier said than done. It’s a lot easier to type these words in this book than it is to practice them when I’m slighted by someone. Interestingly, the slighting usually comes from a fellow believer; someone claiming to be my brother or sister in the Lord. This makes it even more difficult to bear. But if you do, God will reward you for your goodness. Consider this: you will be judged by how you respond to life, not by life itself. This is why “life” is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react.
When you live a surrendered and submitted life to Jesus Christ, it is easy to be good to all. You see, it’s hard to live for God easy, but it’s easy to live for God hard. The point is simple: put your whole heart, soul, and mind into living for Him. Be the living sacrifice that is holy and acceptable to the Lord. After all, it is your reasonable service to do so.[4]
The worldly system is messed up. The world thinks being good is for wimps or the under-privileged. But God says otherwise. His word instructs not to conform to the thinking of this world, but rather to be transformed to be like Him. This is done by renewing your mind.[5] By doing this, you ascertain God’s perfect will. Dedication to God gives you the ability to discern God’s will for your life.
Being good to others must be genuine.[6] There are enough hypocrites in the world and the church today. Toby Mac observes, “The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who profess Jesus with their lips, but deny Him by their lifestyle. This is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” Throw away the evil, having nothing to do with it, and cling to everything that is good![7]
Goodness prefers others, giving honor to them.[8] Upright in heart and life means trying to outdo one another in showing honor. It is easy to claim to be a servant, but how do you respond when someone treats you like one determines whether or not you really are a servant.
Arrogance is a very selfish act. Goodness counters this by living in harmony and unity with others. Goodness means associating with ordinary people. Some wrongly think that they friendships with popular persons grants them some sort of access. However, goodness doesn’t rate people based on social or economic statuses. Goodness is never conceited this way.[9]
The ultimate show of goodness at the conclusion of the twelfth chapter of Romans, stating, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”[10] While this may appear to be easier said than done, it is possible through bearing fruit.
Shannon and I became therapeutic foster parents in May of 1997. Since then we’ve been privileged to have many children come through our home. All but one of them has moved on to other successful lives – some with their biological families, others with adopted families. One particular child we cared for did not know how to respond to goodness. He would do things to try to make us mad at him and when we would respond with kindness, it confused him. He was so used to being abused that he had rarely, if ever, seen kindness in action. I can even remember the first time we said, “I love you” to him. He became quiet and very somber, not knowing how to respond.
As we worked with him and loved him through his difficulties I reflected upon Romans 12:21 as well as Proverbs 15:1 which states, “A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Time and again this verse was proven true in our dealing with this child.
The act of generous giving:
Sharing what you have with others displays the fruit of goodness. Showing hospitality is second nature to the true believer.[11] You should give like it’s been given to you. Jesus said, “Freely you have received; freely give.”[12]
In a parable about the kingdom of heaven, Jesus shows how a servant who owed ten thousand talents was forgiven by a compassionate king.[13] Scholars differ on the value of ten thousand talents, ranging from twenty million dollars to four billion dollars in modern day economics. Either way, this servant owed more than he could repay. The king chose to forgive the debt rather than throw this servant into prison and take his family captive as slaves.
Next scene…
The servant leaves the court of the king and finds a fellow servant that owes him an hundred pence. Again, scholars set the range somewhere between twenty dollars and two thousand dollars in modern day economics. Even if you choose the higher amount, this is not a lot of money and could easily be paid in a few months time.
When this second servant begs and pleads for his fellow servant to have mercy, none is granted. Instead he is thrown in jail until the debt can be paid. Other servants witnessed this cruel act by the recently forgiven servant and reported it to the king.
Next scene…
The first servant who was forgiven a debt he could never repay is brought to justice. The king is disturbed that he would not have compassion on his fellow servant and promptly puts all the debt (twenty million to four billion dollars) back onto the servants account, and throws him into prison to be tormented.
Now, remember, this is a parable – a simple story to teach a Godly principle. Jesus ends the parable by explaining that if we do not forgive others of their trespasses against us, He will put on us all the trespasses we’ve been forgiven of. Imagine getting to heaven and God adding all the sins back on to your account because you did not forgive others. I cannot answer for you, but I know I can never repay the debt of my sin to God.
The act of generous giving is not restricted to money alone. Being good means forgiving others. Forgiveness is more for the victim rather than the criminal because choosing not to forgive causes anger which leads to resentment and then bitterness. Bitterness is like a parasite that will eat you up from the inside out. Unchecked bitterness will eventually bring defilement to you and unfortunately to others.[14] So choose to forgive – it’s what “good” Christians do.
[1] Thayer’s Greek Lexicon (#19)
[2] Greek-English Lexicon Based on Semantic Domain (#19)
[3] Merriam-Webster’s 11th Collegiate Dictionary (uprightness)
[4] Romans 12:1
[5] Romans 12:2
[6] Romans 12:9a
[7] Romans 12:9b
[8] Romans 12:10
[9] Romans 12:16
[10] Romans 12:21
[11] Romans 12:13
[12] Matthew 10:8
[13] Matthew 18:23-35
[14] Hebrews 12:15
