What’s the difference between being nice and being genuinely kind? And is being a good person the same as displaying the goodness of God?
In Week 3 of our Grow A Pear series, Pastor Billy explores two powerful fruits of the Spirit: Kindness and Goodness. While the world encourages us to be nice, God calls us to something much deeper. Niceness can be manufactured, but genuine kindness and goodness must be grown through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Drawing from Galatians 5 and John 15, we discover that spiritual fruit isn't produced through human effort but through staying connected to Jesus. True kindness doesn't simply seek approval or avoid uncomfortable situations. It moves toward others with love, even when there's nothing to gain in return. Likewise, goodness isn't about keeping everyone happy. It's about having the courage to do what's right, speak the truth, and demonstrate integrity when nobody is watching.
Through Scripture, we'll discover how God's grace frees us to serve others, how kindness requires action, and why goodness sometimes demands difficult decisions. Most importantly, we'll learn what it means to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to transform our hearts and guide our actions.
Jesus demonstrated the ultimate kindness and goodness when He willingly carried the cross for us. Now, as followers of Christ, we're called to reflect that same love to the world.
We don't produce fruit to earn God's love. We produce fruit because we've already received it!
