Superkids, the fruit of the month is a GOOD one. But, I’m not talking about apples or oranges.
Let’s look at our theme scripture, Galatians 5:22: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness…” (New Living Translation).
That’s right! The fruit is GOODNESS!
But what is goodness? The real meaning may surprise you.
Think back to our study on kindness. In English, goodness simply means “the state of being good.” You’ve probably heard phrases like, “Be good today!” or “Be good at school!” a lot. Did you ever wonder, But how do I be GOOD? Our everyday idea of goodness, and the fruit of goodness mentioned in Galatians 5:22, are very different.
That’s because it is the life-union with Jesus that makes this possible. He doesn’t want us to struggle to be like Him. Instead of trying hard to be good, we simply allow HIS GOODNESS to flow out with explosive power!
In his book Sparkling Gems from the Greek, my friend Pastor Rick Renner shares something powerful about the meaning of goodness. He writes:
Galatians 5:22 tells us that one of the fruits of the Spirit is “goodness.” This word is translated from the Greek word agathusune, which comes from the word agathos, meaning good. But when agathos becomes the word agathusune, it means goodness in the sense of being good to someone. This word portrays a person who is generous, big-hearted, liberal and charitable. We would call this person a giver. This means one of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit—and one of the fruits He longs to produce in our lives—is the demonstration of care for others in physical and tangible ways. When we exhibit this characteristic by demonstrating care to others, we are acting like God Himself!
Superkid, you were made to be “good” like Jesus! Goodness is bigger than behaving at school or at home. Being a giver means all the good that Jesus did is in you, ready to pour out! The Bible tells us in Acts 10:38 that God anointed Jesus with power, and that Jesus “went around doing good”; Jesus was filled by the same Spirit that fills you!
In his book, Pastor Rick says: “The words ‘doing good’ in Acts 10:38 are a translation of the Greek word euergeteo, an old word that denotes…a person who uses his financial resources to meet the needs of disadvantaged people. This word was used only to portray the provision of food, clothes or some other commodity to meet a physical or material need. Thus, the use of this word in Acts 10:38 emphatically means that a part of Jesus’ ministry was…meeting the physical…needs of people who were disadvantaged in some way.”
Superkid, not only are you empowered to be good— you are empowered to do good. You are made to be a giver and a blessing to others, and to help those who are sad, hurting or pressured by the devil! You are God’s do-gooder! You bring His love, help and power to people just by showing up, because you are filled with the same Spirit as Jesus Himself.
God’s goodness never stays to itself; it always flows toward someone. It gives, restores and fills what’s empty. That’s who you are, Superkid. That’s your nature in Him.
The Superkid Creed says: I am a giver, not a taker.
Kids hear the words “don’t be selfish” a lot because the flesh is self-centered (Galatians 5 says so!). But this is your moment of decision. Will you live like others, who struggle to be good? Or will you yield to the goodness of God on the inside and be INFUSED with the SUPER-natural desire to do good and be generous?
You are free to choose! Remembering the freedom we celebrate in July (Independence Day), let’s think on Galatians 5:13, The Passion Translation, which says: “Beloved ones, God has called us to live a life of freedom. But don’t view this wonderful freedom as an excuse to set up a base of operations in the natural realm. Constantly love each other and be committed to serve one another.”
Jesus is calling us to a new kind of freedom—empowered to love and give by His Spirit! So let’s say it together:
Yes, Jesus! I am a giver, not a taker! I am free to live and do good just like You!
Commander Kellie♥