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Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Goodness and Kindness

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

I grew up memorizing the fruit of the spirit, but as a child, I never understood the difference between kindness and goodness. I always wonder if there was a typo and maybe both of those words where not meant to be there. I never understood what was different what was similar, but now I do know. First, I'll break the words down. Kind and Good. So what's the difference? Well when a dog is not bad, it is reward by a reassuring phrase: "Good Dog!" There's a reason why people don't say kind dog...because the dog wasn't kind. So for those of you who need even more breaking down. Kindness is when you do something extra that's nice. And goodness is when when you do what's right, or don't do what is wrong.
I also have heard it described this way: kindness is an attitude and goodness is a lifestyle.
Goodness is a character and kindness an action.

Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back, each of you, to your mother's home. May the LORD show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me.
Ruth 1:8

You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.
Job 10:12

In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you," says the LORD your Redeemer.
Isaiah 54:8

but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:24

So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?
Romans 2:3-4

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalms 27:13-14

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
2 Peter 1:5-6

2 comments:

  1. Interesting post...I had never even bothered thinking about it before!

    ReplyDelete

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