How can we apply Jesus' teaching on goodness in our daily lives? Setting the Scene “Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:17) Jesus meets a wealthy young man eager to know how to inherit eternal life. Instead of pointing to human merit, the Lord redirects the question to the character of God and the path of obedience. What Jesus Means by “Only One Is Good” • Absolute goodness belongs to God alone; every other expression of goodness is derivative. • Psalm 145:9—“The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made.” • When we speak or act in genuine goodness, we reflect God’s nature rather than showcasing our own virtue. Entering Life by Keeping the Commandments Jesus highlights obedience, not because the law can save apart from grace, but because true faith expresses itself in action. • The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) reveal God’s moral order. • Jesus summarizes them in Matthew 22:37-39—“Love the Lord your God… Love your neighbor as yourself.” • Our obedience becomes evidence that we have received life (John 14:15). Our Call to Reflect God’s Goodness • Ephesians 2:10—“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” • Titus 2:14—Christ redeemed us so we would be “zealous for good deeds.” • Galatians 5:22—“The fruit of the Spirit is… goodness.” Daily Practices That Embody Goodness • Pursue integrity - Speak truthfully (Ephesians 4:25). - Honor commitments, even when costly (Psalm 15:4). • Show sacrificial love - Look for needs you can meet quietly (Matthew 6:3-4). - Offer forgiveness as Christ forgave you (Colossians 3:13). • Act with generosity - Share resources with those in lack (1 John 3:17). - Practice hospitality without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9). • Defend justice and mercy - Micah 6:8 urges justice, mercy, humility. - Stand with the vulnerable, unborn to elderly, reflecting God’s heart for life. • Pursue purity - Guard eyes and mind (Job 31:1). - Flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). • Speak blessing - Use words that build up (Ephesians 4:29). - Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). The Power Source: Abiding in Christ • John 15:5—“Apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Regular time in Scripture aligns our hearts with God’s standards. • Prayerful dependence invites the Spirit to produce His fruit rather than self-generated effort. Living Goodness in Community • Matthew 5:16—Let your light shine so others “may see your good deeds and glorify your Father.” • 1 Peter 2:12—Consistent goodness silences slander and points neighbors to Christ. • Hebrews 10:24—Stir one another up to love and good works through fellowship. Staying Motivated for the Long Haul • Look ahead to Christ’s commendation (2 Corinthians 5:10). • Remember that everyday acts of goodness—changing diapers, ethical business decisions, caring for aging parents—echo eternity when done “for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). As we keep the commandments, rely on the Spirit, and walk in love, the goodness of the only truly Good One becomes tangible in our homes, workplaces, and communities. |
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