What does “goodness” mean to you?  A lot of us use the word “good” as a throwaway word. When you get  asked how you're feeling, you might say “I’m good” without really meaning it or giving it much thought.  Or when asked “how was it” about an event or activity, you might answer without thinking and simply reply “it was good”. But what do you really mean by that?

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Often our interpretation of goodness is based on what makes us feel good. The world screams that if it feels good, we should just do it. In doing what simply makes us feel good, though, we are forgetting that goodness is truly a gift from God, and that we will see the product of this gift in our actions. Doing good is a result of a life characterized by actions that are motivated by the goodness and righteousness that God mercifully blesses us with. We should use goodness to be a blessing to those around us and to be smitten with goodness.

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Goodness comes from living a life of virtue, of good habits.  At the end of the day, the foundational or cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance are the only things within our human power to control.  Like a muscle, these powers get stronger when used.  Virtue allows us to perfect our thoughts and our actions, have courage, and moderate our desires and passions.  Infused by grace, we bear the fruits of the Spirit.  We become smitten with goodness. We are drawn to more goodness and drawn away from the attractions of the world.

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True goodness is when we walk the path of holiness and mirror the pure goodness of Jesus Christ.  When we are present in the moments of our lives, God meets us there.  His goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives when we dwell in Him. Goodness fans the flames of a selfless desire to be generous to others.  Gods’ goodness draws us to holiness.  He works through us so that we may be smitten with goodness, allowing His gift of the Holy Spirit to move freely on the earth through us.

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Matthew 5:16 says:

 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

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Goodness is not about doing elaborate things to gain recognition. Oftentimes, it is the small acts of goodness we do throughout our day that mean the most to those around us. Goodness and kindness are twin fruits of the spirit, when we choose to be kind we not only help others feel good but we in return feel good. Think about the goodness you can spread with just an act of kindness! 

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Oh how much better this world would be with just a touch or word of kindness and goodness! May you be the goodness that others see today!