Goodness as a Characteristic of Love
Goodness and gentleness are closely intertwined. They even share a similar meaning in that we can define them as kindness. But goodness goes even a step beyond that because it means “uprightness of heart and life; morality; integrity.” Kindness (gentleness) is how we behave toward others while goodness is how we act both outwardly and inwardly. It begins in the heart, which only makes sense when we consider that’s where love abides.
When we read through the love chapter of I Corinthians 13, we find that every attribute could easily be equated with goodness, for they are all traits displaying an upright heart. But there are a few phrases within the chapter that jump out as the very definition of goodness. Let’s look at these today.
Charity does not envy (vs.4). - Simply put, love isn’t jealous. (Note with me here, jealousy is an inward emotion because—remember—goodness isn’t just about the outward actions but also the inward reactions.) In this sense, we display virtue when our friend pulls up in their new car, and we’re genuinely happy for them. We prove our integrity when we congratulate the co-worker who gets the job we wanted instead of making derogatory remarks about how we were better suited for the position. Each time someone displays their talents and abilities, and we thank God for blessing them in that way instead of questioning why He didn’t share some of that talent with us, we are a picture of goodness.
Love doesn’t behave unseemly (vs. 5). - Here we see the inward goodness making its way outward. Let’s face it, what’s inside our hearts eventually makes it way out through our mouths, actions, or attitudes. And when the things in our heart are yucky, the outbursts will also be yucky. But goodness isn’t that way. God’s love should compel us to behave in a way that’s good and pleasant, and I’m not talking about putting on an act here. Goodness doesn’t smile on the outside while rehearsing ugly comments on the inside. It is genuine. When we get to the place where we can control our thoughts and emotions, controlling our actions will be easy!
Love thinks no evil (vs. 5) - Once again, goodness is displayed as an inward fruit. It is rooted in our thoughts. Criticism, resentment, and bitterness have no place in a life of goodness. Because it is kindness itself, goodness doesn’t have a bad thing to say (or think) about anyone or anything. That’s easy when the person in question is kind in return but not so much when we feel we’ve been done wrong. But true goodness makes no distinction between the two. Its positivity puts Pollyanna to shame.
Love doesn’t rejoice in iniquity (vs. 6) - To be good is to be morally upright, which means sin is no joking matter. The Bible makes that clear in the book of Proverbs.
“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. ”
That sounds easy enough until we stop and think about it. Sure, we all understand that murder and adultery are no laughing matter, but have we ever made jokes about drinking or some other nasty habit? What about the television displays of the character who’s been drinking and is acting out because of it? Typically, the antics are nothing short of hilarious (at least, the way Hollywood promotes it.) Otis from The Andy Griffith Show comes to my mind. He was the town drunk, yet the way he’s portrayed on the show makes him lovable and funny. So, we laugh, but in doing so, we make light of sin. Ouch, right?
Goodness. Uprightness. Morality. Integrity. What a beautiful and all-encompassing attribute of love. If we could get a grasp on goodness, everything else would fall into place. But I remind you, we are the branches, and branches do not produce the fruit; we only bear it. The fruit must come from the Lord (the vine) because the Bible makes it clear that besides Him, there is no good thing.
So if we’re not good, how can we display goodness? By choosing to display the fruit provided by the Vine. We surrender to His will and way and choose each day to do what He’s asked us to do. It won’t be easy, and we will all fail from time to time. I dare say, some of us will fail more often than we succeed. But each time we bear that fruit, it becomes easier to do it again. Like any habit, the more often we do it, the more automatic it will become. It begins with a choice. To not envy. To behave kindly. To keep positive thoughts. To never make light of sin. To think, feel, and act in a way that’s pleasing to the Lord.
How’s your goodness today?
“Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!”