The word ‘goodness’ is derived from the Greek word agathosune. This term refers to active goodness. In Galatians 5:22, goodness encompasses more than gentleness (chrestotes), which implies a mellowing of character. Goodness is a character that expresses itself in active good. A Christian may demonstrate his goodness by rebuking, correcting, or chastising. The righteous indignation of Jesus Christ in the temple, as described in Matthew 21:12-13, “12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves,” exemplified His agathosune, but not His chrestotes, gentleness. Goodness does not shy away from sharpness and rebuke if they can lead to beneficial outcomes. This is explained in Proverbs 27:5,“Open rebuke is better than secret love.”
We understand that you want to make the right choice when choosing which assembly to worship at. We wholeheartedly pray that you find the church that God has for you.
