Goodness

Luke 1:28-30
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 

What does it mean to be good? Obeying laws and rules? Not causing trouble? Being quiet? 

At Christmastime, children strive to be on the nice list and not on the naughty one. The Elf on the Shelf runs around doing crazy things to encourage good behavior. When I was a kid, I was sure an elf had peeked in the window at me. I made sure I stayed on Santa’s good side.

In Bethlehem, over two-thousand years ago, a young woman had been deemed good by God. Luke recorded how an angel approached Mary and told her she’d been chosen by God to give birth to Jesus, because she had a favorable character and was highly favored by God. Imagine being so good God taps you as Jesus’ mother or father.

Merriam-Webster uses words like wholesome, honorable (gaining respect from people,) and virtuous to describe the word good. I’ve no doubt those all describe Mary.

I’m sure Mary had gained the respect of the people around her by being a servant of God and showing his love to others. Being good doesn’t get me to heaven; instead, being good is a result of me accepting the grace and mercy of Jesus. His sacrifice saved me, and his grace wiped out my sins. As a result, I discovered his goodness and allowed it to grow in me. Now I want to share it with you.

Strive to show others goodness this holiday season.

Galatians 5: 22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.