GOODNESS

BE A LOVER OF GOODNESS

Goodness is virtue, moral excellence, or the quality of state of being good. God is good in the absolute sense. "Good and upright is Jehovah..."-Psalm 25:8. Jesus is virtuous and has the quality of moral excellence. Yet, he would not accept "Good" as a title when he was called "Good Teacher". (Mark 10:17, 18) This was evidently because he recognized God as the pinnacle of goodness.

Our ability to do good is hindered because of inherited sin. (Romans 5:12) But all is not lost! We can display this quality if we pray as the Psalmist did: "Teach me goodness,...For in your commandments I have exercised faith...You are good and are doing good. Teach me your regulations." -Ps.119:66, 68.  If we are led by God's holy spirit, we will become known for goodness, and Jehovah will 'remember us for the good we do.' (Nehemiah 5:19)

 Imitate Jehovah by Cultivating Goodness. 

A Christian cultivating goodness will both be good and do good. (Compare: Deuteronomy 12:28)
He will also avoid things that are opposed to goodness, "the unfruitful works that belong to darkness" The works of the flesh found at Galatians 5:19-21.
What are some ways a Christian can manifest goodness?

Keep Doing Good.

"Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities",  Paul said: "Do you, then, want to have no fear of the authority? Keep doing good, and you will have praise from it." -Romans 13:1-3 The "good" he refers to is obedience to the laws and arrangements of secular authorities. Why should a Christian be subject to these? So as to avoid unnecessary conflict with the authorities, thus risking punishment and -more important - in order to preserve a clean conscience before God. (Ro 13:5,7)
While preserving his primary obedience to Jehovah, a Christian will 'honor the king,' not rebelling against authorities that Jehovah God allows to exist. (1 Peter 2:13-17) In this way, Christians are good neighbors, good citizens, and good examples.

Considerate of Others.

Jehovah's goodness is displayed in his providing for all earth's inhabitants. This results in a 'fullness of food and good cheer' and shows him to be a truly considerate God. (Acts 14:17) We can imitate him in this respect by showing consideration for others in small and large ways. How?
 "Before gray hair you should rise up, and you must show consideration for the person of an old man, and you must be in fear of your God. I am Jehovah." -Leviticus 19:32.  Younger ones may wish to volunteer to help them with shopping or with other chores. We can considerately check to see if any older ones need help to attend meetings. At assemblies, young, vigorous individuals will avoid jostling slower-moving older ones in an impatient attempt to pass, and they will be patient if an elderly one is a little slow getting seated or getting food.
Also, "Happy is anyone acting with consideration toward the lowly one."- Psalms 41:1. We must be considerate of the poor, just as we are to wealthy or prominent. Equal consideration to these is a test of our righteousness and Christian love. (James 2:2-4. 8,  9)

Continue Becoming Merciful

One way to be merciful is to be ready to help our fellow, even if it involves risk or inconvenience. A good person will not ignore the suffering of his brother if he is in a  position to do something about it. (James 2:15, 16). Please read Jesus' parable about the Good Samaritan recorded at Luke 10:29-37.
Merciful  goodness  includes a readiness to forgive others.  Jesus taught us this Bible principle in another parable at: Matthew 18:23-35. A merciful Christian will not carry a grudge. He will not harbor resentment. (Matt. 18:21, 22)

Generous and Hospitable

Jehovah urged the Israelites to be generous. "You should by all means give to your [poverty-stricken neighbor], and your heart should not be stingy in your giving to him, because on this account Jehovah your God will bless you in every deed of yours and in every undertaking of yours." -Deuteronomy 15:10. Jesus Christ taught generosity saying: "Practice giving..." Luke 6:38.
Jesus was very generous with his time and energy. Even when tired and hungry Jesus generously forgot about resting and even showed hospitality by providing food for a large crowd.
(Mark 6:30-44)

Telling the Truth

Paul linked goodness with righteousness and truth. It would be correct to say that truthfulness is another sort of goodness. "...Go on walking as children of light, for the fruitage of the light consists of every sort of goodness and righteousness and truth." -Ephesians 5:8, 9.
Good people do not tell lies. Lying is repugnant to Jehovah. Among the 'seven things' that he hates are "a false tongue" and  "a false witness that launches forth lies." (Proverbs 6:16-19)
 "...All the liars" are listed among the cowards, the murderers , and the fornicators, who will have no place in God's new world. (Rev 21:8)  May we always tell the truth, even if it leads to our being disciplined or losing out financially. (Ephesians 4:25)
Those who tell the truth imitate Jehovah, "...the God of truth" -Psalms 31:5.

Cultivate Goodness

Goodness is powerful. It can even conquer evil. (Romans 12:21)
If learn Jehovah' commandments and obey them, we will cultivate goodness. May we through prayer ask  Jehovah for goodness to be manifest in our lives. In harmony with our prayer may we associate with like minded- people, intent on imitating our heavenly Father as obedient children. And may we listen to God's words, by reading and meditating on the Bible, daily.

Yes, we can learn  goodness, by exercising faith in all God's regulations.

 More visitors from Italy!

 Getting to know one another.

 Kids cooling off.

 Family and Friends

Showing hospitality to one another.