{To Inspire and Encourage}
For the next few weeks I want to share a little study about the Fruit of the Spirit.
Week Six: GOODNESS
good·ness
[good-nis] Show IPA
noun
2.
moral excellence; virtue.
3.
kindly feeling; kindness; generosity.
4.
excellence of quality: goodness of workmanship.
5.
so are you a good person? are you kind to your neighbours, do you help the person who cannot help them self, do you treat others with respect...
We live in a world in which basic values such as kindness, humility and compassion are not often given the importance they are due. In the media, selfish and arrogant behavior patterns are often glorified
Some ways you can be a good person
Identify what it is that being a good person means to you personally. Some people think that being a good person is as simple as not doing harm to another, but it is not always about what you don't do, but what you do for others. You might not be a bad person, but are you a good person?
Try to look at the bright side of things. "It is better to light a single candle than it is to curse the darkness." Be that light. When you see controversy, try to be the one who changes the subject by suggesting a solution. Don't state what you would do, but ask everyone to get involved.
Accept everyone around you as your brothers and sisters no matter what race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or culture. Realize that we have feelings, and should be treated with respect.
Don't try to correct people when they're angry by saying something irrational, just look with compassion and remain quiet. Saying 'I understand' is usually the wrong answer. If you say anything at all, just say, "I'm sorry you feel this way, is there anything I can do to help?"
Stop comparing others with yourself. Try to understand that some have it better than you in life, but at the same time, many have it much worse.
Every day, try to do an act of charity for some one else, even if it's something small. Even reach out to people who have been cold or indifferent to you. An act of kindness and generosity can go a long way.
I find this very true about motherhood too. Especially the "comparing yourself with others". We need to just be us, and accept who we are (as well as others). Great post.
ReplyDeleteI REALLY enjoyed this article! I agree, wholeheartedly. I think, we as Christians (and I mean all those who call themselves Christians, not necessarily you :) ), end up judging people because they are different or because their sin is "outward". IE: pregnant before married, homosexual, etc. Just because their sin is "outward" doesn't give us the right to judge them like you were saying. It's very well-written! I enjoyed it! Megan from Frugal Finds During Naptime
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