Goodness

Theme Verse: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

The problem is, do we be good or nice. In my opinion, there is a difference between the two. Being good means doing the right thing even when other people do not like it. Being nice means doing what other people expect of you, and trying to make people like you more.

For example, let's say your teacher gives you a math test, and your best friend didn't study for the test and wants to cheat by copying down your answers. Well, the nice thing to do would be to let your best friend write down all the right answers you came up with. However, the good thing to do would be not to let your friend copy your answers. Something my youth minister used to say was, "We're supposed to be good, not nice." What he meant by that is we need to make good decisions even if other people don't like the choices we make. Now, this does not mean be rude or intentionally offend people who make different decisions in life. It means always try to do the right thing no matter what. Even if other people do not like the choices you make.

A perfect example of someone good was Jesus. If you read Matthew 23:1–39, you'll notice how Jesus called the Pharisees and Scribes hypocrites, and how he was telling them that they need to change there ways. But sadly, the religious leaders hardened their hearts and did not listen; instead, they ignored Jesus and began plotting how to kill him.

Brothers and sisters, I challenge you to be good, not nice. Yes, it'll cost us something. It may cost us something like our friends. It may even cost us something more than that. But when we choose to follow Jesus, it will cost us something. It could be something big, or it could be something small, but Brothers and sisters, when we choose to follow Jesus, it will cost us.