What Is Good + A Gift for You!

School is starting, and summer is ending for many. But wait! I’m still in summer mode. I’m going to hang onto lovely evenings at the beach as long as possible. And since it climbed to 95 degrees today, I don’t think I’ll struggle to keep that summer feeling.

We treasure memories of our children’s younger years. We miss the sweet family times as we gathered together around the dinner table. And so on. It’s worthwhile to carry such moments in our hearts, but God’s Word offers even more. Romans 12 instructs us to cling to something in particular :

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9, NKJV

In a world of loud proclamations concerning all things good, we find truth on the Bible’s pages. God is good, and He teaches us to derive goodness from Him. Based on the Greek word, agathos, we understand good as “morally honorable, pleasing to God, and therefore beneficial.”

The Lord doesn’t expect us to automatically know what pleases Him. He identifies ways every Christian should behave, and it benefits everyone when we act as follows:

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:10-21.

When our children were growing up, we often told them, “Be a good boy,” or “Be a good girl.” We wanted them to behave properly. Similarly, our Heavenly Father desires good conduct from us, and He uses it to point others to Him.

Of course, everything on the list should describe all who belong to Christ. But for the sake of not feeling overwhelmed, let’s consider this passage prayerfully, seeking the Holy Spirit’s prompting. He will reveal areas that need special attention, and He will provide grace to honor Him.

The Lord loves each of His children lavishly, and in response, we show Him our love by honoring and pleasing Him. Let’s cling to what is good.

In Christ’s Love,

If you’re a current subscriber, I’d love to share my interactive Bible Reading Plan with you. Unhindered: A 4-Week Journey Through Acts is the first installment of my Bible Study a New Way series. Daily Bible readings paired with application questions will help you know the Bible better and experience meaningful moments with God.

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