March 13th, Goodness

Romans 15:14 – “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.”

Goodness – the state or quality of being good, or the best part of anything, essence or strength.

People do acts of goodness.  But what is their motivation?  In giving a glass of water to someone it may be:

1. Because they know they should = obedience only
2. So they can feel good about themselves = pride
3. They have a strong and sincere desire to do the right thing = goodness

Goodness comes from a place in our hearts.  it comes from a focus on God and not a focus on what the world tells us is good.  The opposite of goodness is evilness and badness.  (Ask what is it that the world tells us is good?)

Mark 12:41-44 “The Widow’s Mite”

The widow gave all she had, because she wanted to do the right thing, not because she wanted to be seen or because she should give something.  (She knew to give her tithe but she went ABOVE and BEYOND!)

What is our motivation behind our actions?  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me!

 

March 6th – Gentleness: 2 Timothy 2:24

Gentleness:  2nd Timothy 2:24

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men…”

  

Dictionary definition: not severe, rough, or violent: mild, kindly, soft.  The opposite would be severe, harsh, hard. 

 This lesson should teach us to “Handle Life with care” so often we need to have a loving, gentle touch!

How do we handle tough situation?  How do we react to those around us who aren’t living right?  Are we trying to reach “Whosoever” will?  Christ came to redeem lost sinners.  What are we doing with our influence to reach the lost?  Look at how Jesus handled come tough situations:

1. John 4 “The Samaritan Woman” – Through Jesus’ gentle touch, salvation came to the Samaritan woman.  The entire city was affected by His touch and her testimony.  Jesus never pushed the outsider away.   He always reached beyond prejudice with a gentle touch to include them in God’s gift of salvation.  He never overlooked sin, however, because of His gentleness.
2. John 8 “The woman caught in adultery” – Jesus did not excuse this woman for her sin.  She was guilty, but He wanted to reach out to her.  He wanted to win her over.  Jesus reached out to her with a gentle touch and told her, “Go and sin no more.”

 

Woman’s accusers twisted the law of the O.T. in that both offenders were to be stoned.  Where was the male that offended with her?  Maybe it was his name that Jesus drew or wrote in the sand as they accused her.  Maybe it was the original law that they manipulated in Leviticus.  What do you think that he may have been writing or drawing?  (Leviticus 20:10)

Jesus always puts people ahead of the law!