Ephesians 4:8-10
As it relates to the fruit of the Spirit, it is an action, and nothing less.
Let us not become weary in doing good. (Galatians 6:9)
You will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)
...bearing fruit in every good work. (Colossians 1:10)
...equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:17)
"By their fruit you will recognize them." (Matthew 7:16)
"Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down..."
(Luke 3:9)
"There is none good but God." (Mark 10:18)
There is no one who does good, not even one. (Psalm 53:3)
There is no one righteous, not even one. (Romans 3:10)
1. There is a difference between being and doing.
You need to understand the difference between being made righteous, and doing works of righteousness.
While He was on the cross, the sinless Savior bore the sin of the world.
All our righteous acts are like filthy rags...(Isaiah 64:6)
His righteousness is transferred to you.
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
You do good, not in order to earn God's favor,
but in response to the favor you have been freely given.
2. Goodness is never less than an action.
We have a tendency to judge ourselves by our best intentions.
We fool ourselves into thinking that our good intentions are good enough.
Ultimately it comes down to what you do.
A character is what the character does.
It's time to put your best intentions to work.
It's time, then, to back up our best intentions with our very best effort.
3. Goodness is cultivated on a case-by-case basis.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10)
This time I will do the good thing.
What an amazing way to summarize a life — to go around doing good.
It all comes down to your actions.
The good you do is tangible.
Goodness is not based on your feelings, it's built on your actions.
(Proverbs 16:3) Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
(Proverbs 18:9) One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
Forgiveness. Refreshing. A restored relationship and life.