WEBVTT 00:00:15.819 --> 00:00:18.579 Hey everyone, my name is Austin and welcome back 00:00:18.579 --> 00:00:21.039 to another episode of the Unfiltered Faith Podcast. 00:00:21.920 --> 00:00:23.739 If you're just tuning in for the first time, 00:00:23.780 --> 00:00:26.059 I'm so glad you're here. And if you've been here 00:00:26.059 --> 00:00:28.820 before, welcome back. Today we're continuing 00:00:28.820 --> 00:00:31.140 the second part of our three -part mini -series 00:00:31.140 --> 00:00:33.579 on the fruits of the Spirit. Continuing with 00:00:33.579 --> 00:00:36.380 patience, kindness, and goodness. So if you like 00:00:36.380 --> 00:00:38.780 to take notes, I encourage you. And while you're 00:00:38.780 --> 00:00:40.740 at it, have your Bibles out because we're going 00:00:40.740 --> 00:00:42.899 to be looking through several passages of scripture 00:00:42.899 --> 00:00:44.939 that will help us with our discussion today. 00:00:46.829 --> 00:00:49.789 Patience is the fourth of nine attributes listed 00:00:49.789 --> 00:00:52.990 in Galatians 5, 22, and 23. But the fruits of 00:00:52.990 --> 00:00:55.789 the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, 00:00:56.049 --> 00:00:58.549 goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self 00:00:58.549 --> 00:01:01.329 -control. It's easy to talk about patience, but 00:01:01.329 --> 00:01:04.310 much harder to practice, especially in a world 00:01:04.310 --> 00:01:06.989 that moves at lightning speed. So what does the 00:01:06.989 --> 00:01:09.230 Bible teach us about patience, and how can we 00:01:09.230 --> 00:01:12.629 cultivate it in our lives? First, let's define 00:01:12.629 --> 00:01:15.670 patience from a Biblical perspective. The Greek 00:01:15.670 --> 00:01:19.569 word used in Galatians 5 .22 is macrothumia, 00:01:19.829 --> 00:01:22.510 which means long -suffering or endurance. It's 00:01:22.510 --> 00:01:24.829 not just about waiting. It's about maintaining 00:01:24.829 --> 00:01:28.750 a godly attitude while waiting. James 5 .7 -8 00:01:28.750 --> 00:01:31.810 gives us a beautiful image of patience. Be patience, 00:01:31.969 --> 00:01:33.909 therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming 00:01:33.909 --> 00:01:36.709 of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the 00:01:36.709 --> 00:01:39.129 precious fruits of the earth. being patient about 00:01:39.129 --> 00:01:42.930 it until it receives the early and the late rain. 00:01:43.030 --> 00:01:45.370 So just as a farmer trusts that the harvest will 00:01:45.370 --> 00:01:47.829 come in due time, we are called to trust in God's 00:01:47.829 --> 00:01:51.010 perfect timing. But how often do we truly surrender 00:01:51.010 --> 00:01:53.849 our timelines to Him? We live in a culture of 00:01:53.849 --> 00:01:57.129 instant gratification. Instant downloads, fast 00:01:57.129 --> 00:02:00.250 food, quick fixes. But God's process is often 00:02:00.250 --> 00:02:02.730 slow, deliberate, shaping us in the waiting. 00:02:03.239 --> 00:02:06.120 The Bible gives us incredible examples of patience 00:02:06.120 --> 00:02:10.020 in the waiting. In Genesis 21, 1 through 3, two 00:02:10.020 --> 00:02:13.419 people by the name of Abraham and Sarah waited 00:02:13.419 --> 00:02:16.580 decades for God's promise of a son. Though they 00:02:16.580 --> 00:02:19.080 struggled, God's faithfulness remained. Their 00:02:19.080 --> 00:02:22.500 story reminds us that even when we falter in 00:02:22.500 --> 00:02:25.439 our waiting, God is merciful and still fulfills 00:02:25.439 --> 00:02:29.639 his promises. In Genesis 50, verse 20, Joseph, 00:02:29.740 --> 00:02:32.539 betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery and 00:02:32.539 --> 00:02:35.280 imprisoned unfairly. Joseph endured years of 00:02:35.280 --> 00:02:37.979 hardships before God elevated him to a position 00:02:37.979 --> 00:02:40.800 of great influence in Egypt. His patience and 00:02:40.800 --> 00:02:43.900 trust in God led to an outcome beyond what he 00:02:43.900 --> 00:02:46.800 could have imagined. Job endured immense suffering 00:02:46.800 --> 00:02:50.699 yet remained faithful. James 5 11 says, You have 00:02:50.699 --> 00:02:53.449 heard of the and perseverance of Job and seeing 00:02:53.449 --> 00:02:56.669 the purpose of the Lord. Job's patience amidst 00:02:56.669 --> 00:02:58.870 suffering teaches us that even when we don't 00:02:58.870 --> 00:03:01.389 understand our trials, God is still at work. 00:03:01.849 --> 00:03:04.770 And even Jesus, his patience with his disciples 00:03:04.770 --> 00:03:07.250 and with humanity as a whole is the ultimate 00:03:07.250 --> 00:03:10.590 example. He waited to begin his ministry and 00:03:10.590 --> 00:03:12.949 endured the cross and is still patiently calling 00:03:12.949 --> 00:03:16.550 people to himself. His love and long -suffering 00:03:16.550 --> 00:03:19.389 nature shows us what true patience looks like. 00:03:19.469 --> 00:03:22.219 So why is patience so important? What happens 00:03:22.219 --> 00:03:24.860 when we cultivate patience in our lives? Well, 00:03:24.860 --> 00:03:27.180 first of all, we get to experience the spiritual 00:03:27.180 --> 00:03:30.939 growth. Patience refines our character and deepens 00:03:30.939 --> 00:03:33.840 our relationship with God. Romans 5, 3, and 4 00:03:33.840 --> 00:03:37.979 says tribulations produce perseverance and perseverance 00:03:37.979 --> 00:03:42.240 character and character hope. Trials build patience 00:03:42.240 --> 00:03:45.639 and patience strengthens our faith. Number two, 00:03:45.919 --> 00:03:49.740 stronger relationships. Proverbs 15, 18 tells 00:03:49.740 --> 00:03:52.629 us, A hot tempered person stirs up conflict, 00:03:52.990 --> 00:03:56.250 but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. Patience 00:03:56.250 --> 00:03:58.569 helps us to be more understanding, forgiving, 00:03:58.830 --> 00:04:01.750 and loving in our relationships. Peace and Joy 00:04:01.750 --> 00:04:05.050 When we trust God's timing, we experience greater 00:04:05.050 --> 00:04:09.129 peace. Isaiah 26 3 says, You will keep in perfect 00:04:09.129 --> 00:04:12.189 peace those whose minds are steadfast because 00:04:12.189 --> 00:04:15.509 they trust in you. God's best for us. Rushing 00:04:15.509 --> 00:04:18.449 ahead of God's timing can lead to unnecessary 00:04:18.449 --> 00:04:21.879 hardship. Proverbs 19 to warns desire without 00:04:21.879 --> 00:04:25.040 knowledge is not good How much more will hasty 00:04:25.040 --> 00:04:27.879 feet miss the way what hating on the Lord ensures 00:04:27.879 --> 00:04:30.660 that we receive his best So how do we develop 00:04:30.660 --> 00:04:34.839 patience number one trust God's timing Isaiah 00:04:34.839 --> 00:04:39.500 40 verse 31 reminds us But those who wait on 00:04:39.500 --> 00:04:42.319 the Lord shall renew their strength and trusting 00:04:42.319 --> 00:04:46.040 God's plan helps us develop patience number two 00:04:46.040 --> 00:04:49.199 pray for strength Ask God to help you grow in 00:04:49.199 --> 00:04:52.360 patience. Philippians 4 .6 encourages us to bring 00:04:52.360 --> 00:04:56.519 everything to Him in prayer. Practice daily. 00:04:57.259 --> 00:05:01.259 Choose to slow down when facing delays or difficulties. 00:05:01.699 --> 00:05:04.560 Take a deep breath and remember that patience 00:05:04.560 --> 00:05:08.819 is the work of the Holy Spirit in you. Focus 00:05:08.819 --> 00:05:13.339 on eternity. Romans 8 .25 says, but if we hope 00:05:13.339 --> 00:05:16.680 for what we do not see, we wait. For it with 00:05:16.680 --> 00:05:20.939 patience our present struggles are small in light 00:05:20.939 --> 00:05:24.600 of eternity number five and surround yourself 00:05:24.600 --> 00:05:28.439 with patient people Proverbs 13 20 says walk 00:05:28.439 --> 00:05:31.860 with the wise and become wise being around patient 00:05:31.860 --> 00:05:35.540 Faith -filled believers can encourage us in our 00:05:35.540 --> 00:05:39.420 journey number six celebrate small victories 00:05:39.420 --> 00:05:42.819 recognize and thank God for movement from moments 00:05:42.819 --> 00:05:46.550 when you react with patience rather than frustration. 00:05:47.110 --> 00:05:50.129 Growth happens step by step. Patience is not 00:05:50.129 --> 00:05:52.810 just about waiting. It's about trusting God in 00:05:52.810 --> 00:05:55.910 the waiting. It's about reflecting His character 00:05:55.910 --> 00:05:58.790 in our daily lives. When we cultivate patience, 00:05:59.089 --> 00:06:01.790 we learn to rest in God's faithfulness, love 00:06:01.790 --> 00:06:05.250 others better, and experience the peace that 00:06:05.250 --> 00:06:10.480 surpasses all understanding. Now that we've explored 00:06:10.480 --> 00:06:13.040 patience, let's turn our attention to another 00:06:13.040 --> 00:06:16.180 vital fruit of the Spirit, kindness. Kindness 00:06:16.180 --> 00:06:19.639 is the fifth and ninth attribute listed in Galatians 00:06:19.639 --> 00:06:24.000 5, 22, and 23. What is true, biblical kindness 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:26.620 look like? How do we cultivate it in our daily 00:06:26.620 --> 00:06:30.819 lives? And why is it such a vital part of our 00:06:30.819 --> 00:06:33.680 Christian walk? Stick with me as we explore this 00:06:33.680 --> 00:06:36.560 powerful fruit of the Spirit. Kindness is more 00:06:36.560 --> 00:06:39.860 than just being nice. It is a reflection of God's 00:06:39.860 --> 00:06:42.800 character. It is an intentional act of love, 00:06:43.060 --> 00:06:46.180 compassion, and grace that keeps the good of 00:06:46.180 --> 00:06:49.579 others. But where do we see this model best? 00:06:50.019 --> 00:06:52.800 In God himself. The kindness of God is evident 00:06:52.800 --> 00:06:56.319 through scripture. In Titus 3, 4, and 5 says, 00:06:56.759 --> 00:07:00.339 but when the kindness and love of God our savior 00:07:00.339 --> 00:07:03.279 appeared, he saved us not because of the righteous 00:07:03.279 --> 00:07:06.279 things we had done, but because of his mercy. 00:07:06.980 --> 00:07:10.000 God's kindness is not based on merit. It is freely 00:07:10.000 --> 00:07:12.860 given, a true mark of his love for us. And as 00:07:12.860 --> 00:07:15.759 his followers, we are called to mirror this kindness 00:07:15.759 --> 00:07:17.980 in our daily lives. One of the greatest examples 00:07:17.980 --> 00:07:20.980 of kindness in the Bible is found in Ephesians 00:07:20.980 --> 00:07:24.000 4, 32. Be kind and compassionate to one another, 00:07:24.300 --> 00:07:26.860 forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God 00:07:26.860 --> 00:07:31.060 forgave you. God's kindness is more powerfully 00:07:31.060 --> 00:07:34.009 displayed through Christ's sacrifice. Despite 00:07:34.009 --> 00:07:36.829 our sins, He extended grace and forgiveness to 00:07:36.829 --> 00:07:39.949 us. The ultimate act of kindness, when we understand 00:07:39.949 --> 00:07:42.269 this, we can extend the same kindness to others. 00:07:43.029 --> 00:07:45.370 Another powerful story of kindness is found in 00:07:45.370 --> 00:07:48.870 2 Samuel 9, where King David shows kindness to 00:07:48.870 --> 00:07:52.470 Mephibosheth, the crippled son of his dear friend 00:07:52.470 --> 00:07:56.470 Jonathan. Though Mephibosheth had no status or 00:07:56.470 --> 00:07:59.170 ability to repay, David restored his land and 00:07:59.170 --> 00:08:01.730 welcomed him at his table. This story reminds 00:08:01.730 --> 00:08:04.769 us that true kindness is not transactional. It 00:08:04.769 --> 00:08:07.110 is an outpouring of love and grace. In the New 00:08:07.110 --> 00:08:09.769 Testament, we see Jesus himself as the ultimate 00:08:09.769 --> 00:08:13.889 model of kindness. In John 8, 1 -11, but Jesus 00:08:13.889 --> 00:08:16.569 went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn, he appeared 00:08:16.569 --> 00:08:19.250 again in the temple courts, where all the people 00:08:19.250 --> 00:08:21.589 gathered around him, and he sat down to teach 00:08:21.589 --> 00:08:24.449 them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees 00:08:24.449 --> 00:08:27.089 brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made 00:08:27.089 --> 00:08:29.550 her stand before the group and said to Jesus, 00:08:29.589 --> 00:08:32.350 Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of 00:08:32.350 --> 00:08:36.070 adultery. In the law, Moses commanded us to stone 00:08:36.070 --> 00:08:39.269 such woman. Now what do you say? They were using 00:08:39.269 --> 00:08:42.750 this question as a trap in order to have a basis 00:08:42.750 --> 00:08:46.110 for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started 00:08:46.110 --> 00:08:48.830 to write on the ground with his finger. When 00:08:48.830 --> 00:08:50.929 they kept on questioning him, he straightened 00:08:50.929 --> 00:08:55.169 up and said to them, let any of you who is without 00:08:55.169 --> 00:08:58.169 sin be the first to throw a stone at her. Again, 00:08:58.230 --> 00:09:01.509 he stooped down and rode on the ground. At this, 00:09:01.690 --> 00:09:04.629 those who heard began to go away one at a time, 00:09:04.990 --> 00:09:07.830 the older ones first, until Judas was left with 00:09:07.830 --> 00:09:10.850 the woman still standing there. Judas straightened 00:09:10.850 --> 00:09:14.309 up and asked her, woman, where are they? Has 00:09:14.309 --> 00:09:17.860 no one condemned you? No, sir, she said. Then 00:09:17.860 --> 00:09:20.399 neither do I condemn you, Jesus declared. Go 00:09:20.399 --> 00:09:23.399 now and leave your life of sin. Jesus encountered 00:09:23.399 --> 00:09:26.179 a woman caught in adultery. Instead of condemning 00:09:26.179 --> 00:09:29.879 her, as the religious leaders expected, He extended 00:09:29.879 --> 00:09:32.820 grace, saying, Let any one of you who is without 00:09:32.820 --> 00:09:35.659 sin be the first to throw a stone at her. His 00:09:35.659 --> 00:09:38.019 kindness and mercy will revere you at the heart 00:09:38.019 --> 00:09:41.539 of God. A heart that calls us to compassion rather 00:09:41.539 --> 00:09:43.960 than condemnation. So how do we practice kindness? 00:09:44.080 --> 00:09:46.059 Well, first of all, we practice kindness with 00:09:46.059 --> 00:09:49.679 our words. Proverb 1624 says, gracious words 00:09:49.679 --> 00:09:52.360 are honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing 00:09:52.360 --> 00:09:55.480 to the bones. Our words have power, power to 00:09:55.480 --> 00:09:58.779 build up or to tear down. Speaking encouragement 00:09:58.779 --> 00:10:01.379 and truth and love isn't an act of kindness. 00:10:02.299 --> 00:10:05.659 Number two, through our actions. Acts nine tells 00:10:05.659 --> 00:10:10.200 us the story of Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, 00:10:10.879 --> 00:10:13.620 a woman full of kindness, always doing good and 00:10:13.620 --> 00:10:17.399 helping the poor. We too can reflect kindness 00:10:17.399 --> 00:10:20.820 through acts of service, generosity, and hospitality. 00:10:21.600 --> 00:10:25.620 Number 3. By forgiving. Colossians 3, 12 -13 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:28.860 instructs us to Clothe yourselves with compassion, 00:10:29.080 --> 00:10:31.480 kindness, humility, gentleness, and passion. 00:10:32.059 --> 00:10:34.000 Bear with each other and forgive one another, 00:10:34.179 --> 00:10:36.820 if any of you has a grievance against someone. 00:10:37.500 --> 00:10:40.259 Forgive as the Lord forgave you. True kindness 00:10:40.259 --> 00:10:42.899 includes extending forgiveness, even when it's 00:10:42.899 --> 00:10:47.120 difficult. Number four, through everyday opportunities. 00:10:47.659 --> 00:10:50.120 Kindness doesn't have to be a gray hand gesture. 00:10:50.759 --> 00:10:53.240 It can be as simple as holding the door open 00:10:53.240 --> 00:10:55.919 for someone, checking in on a friend, or choosing 00:10:55.919 --> 00:10:59.059 to respond with patience rather than frustration. 00:10:59.980 --> 00:11:02.700 Number five, by showing hospitality. Hebrews 00:11:02.700 --> 00:11:06.480 13 two encourages us, do not forget to show hospitality 00:11:06.480 --> 00:11:09.220 to strangers. By doing so, some people have shown 00:11:09.220 --> 00:11:13.230 hospitality to angels without knowing it. A welcoming 00:11:13.230 --> 00:11:16.470 heart reflects the kindness of Christ. Number 00:11:16.470 --> 00:11:20.610 six, by loving our enemies. Jesus commanded us 00:11:20.610 --> 00:11:24.389 in Luke 6 to 35, but love your enemy, do good 00:11:24.389 --> 00:11:27.610 to them, and lend to them without expecting to 00:11:27.610 --> 00:11:30.429 get anything back. Then your reward will be great, 00:11:30.590 --> 00:11:32.929 and you will become children of the most high, 00:11:33.070 --> 00:11:36.490 because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 00:11:36.870 --> 00:11:39.870 True kindness is not selective. It extends even 00:11:39.870 --> 00:11:42.649 to those who have wronged us. Sometimes kindness 00:11:42.649 --> 00:11:45.549 can be difficult. Maybe we feel too busy, we 00:11:45.549 --> 00:11:48.809 struggle with unforgiveness. Or we fear that 00:11:48.809 --> 00:11:51.230 our kindness will be taken for granted. But the 00:11:51.230 --> 00:11:54.950 Bible encourages us in Galatians 6, let us not 00:11:54.950 --> 00:11:58.169 grow weary in doing good. Kindness is not about 00:11:58.169 --> 00:12:00.830 recognition. It's about obedience and faithfulness 00:12:00.830 --> 00:12:03.809 to God. When we show kindness, we plant seeds 00:12:03.809 --> 00:12:06.929 that may one day bear fruit in the lives of others. 00:12:07.070 --> 00:12:09.559 Let's take a moment to reflect. Have there been 00:12:09.559 --> 00:12:12.580 moments in your life when you've received kindness 00:12:12.580 --> 00:12:15.919 that changed your perspective? Or are there areas 00:12:15.919 --> 00:12:18.000 where God is calling you to extend kindness, 00:12:18.159 --> 00:12:20.460 even when it's hard? Let's remember that kindness 00:12:20.460 --> 00:12:23.220 is not just about what we do. It's about who 00:12:23.220 --> 00:12:26.240 we are becoming in Christ. When we practice kindness, 00:12:26.720 --> 00:12:29.460 we reflect the heart of God and invite others 00:12:29.460 --> 00:12:34.419 into His love and grace. Now that we've explored 00:12:34.419 --> 00:12:36.899 kindness, let's turn our attention to another 00:12:36.899 --> 00:12:39.830 vital fruit of the Spirit. Goodness. Goodness 00:12:39.830 --> 00:12:43.230 is the sixth of nine attributes listed in Galatians 00:12:43.230 --> 00:12:46.789 5, 22, and 23. And now when you hear the word 00:12:46.789 --> 00:12:49.629 goodness, what comes to mind? Maybe it's helping 00:12:49.629 --> 00:12:52.710 an elderly neighbor carry their groceries, donating 00:12:52.710 --> 00:12:55.669 to charity, or simply being polite. And yes, 00:12:55.690 --> 00:12:58.429 those things are great, but biblical goodness 00:12:58.429 --> 00:13:01.129 goes so much deeper. It's not just about doing 00:13:01.129 --> 00:13:03.590 things. It's about being transformed from the 00:13:03.590 --> 00:13:06.070 inside out so that goodness flows naturally from 00:13:06.070 --> 00:13:09.320 our hearts. So what is goodness? We use the word 00:13:09.320 --> 00:13:12.279 good all the time. That was a good meal. He's 00:13:12.279 --> 00:13:15.320 a good guy. That was a good movie. But when the 00:13:15.320 --> 00:13:17.500 Bible talks about goodness, it's talking about 00:13:17.500 --> 00:13:19.879 something much deeper than being polite, nice, 00:13:19.940 --> 00:13:23.460 or even generous. In Galatians 5, 22, and 23, 00:13:23.620 --> 00:13:25.779 Paul lists goodness as one of the first of the 00:13:25.779 --> 00:13:28.379 spirit, evidence that God is working within us. 00:13:28.799 --> 00:13:31.779 The Greek word for goodness here is agathesson, 00:13:32.100 --> 00:13:35.779 which means moral excellence, uprightness of 00:13:35.779 --> 00:13:38.789 heart. Goodness that actively works for the benefit 00:13:38.789 --> 00:13:42.070 of others. It's not just not doing wrong. It's 00:13:42.070 --> 00:13:44.269 actively doing what is right, even when it's 00:13:44.269 --> 00:13:46.370 inconvenient or hard. Think of it like this. 00:13:46.610 --> 00:13:49.710 Kindness is showing compassion to someone. Goodness 00:13:49.710 --> 00:13:53.110 is going a step further, tangibly helping them, 00:13:53.190 --> 00:13:56.370 even if it costs you something. This brings us 00:13:56.370 --> 00:13:59.029 to an important question. Where does goodness 00:13:59.029 --> 00:14:02.909 come from? Well, God is goodness. The Bible makes 00:14:02.909 --> 00:14:05.330 it clear that God doesn't just do good. He is 00:14:05.330 --> 00:14:09.389 good. Psalms 34 8 says taste and see that the 00:14:09.389 --> 00:14:13.509 Lord is good Nehemiah 1 7 says the Lord is good 00:14:13.509 --> 00:14:17.590 a refugee in times of trouble James 1 17 says 00:14:17.590 --> 00:14:21.250 Every good and perfect gift is from above coming 00:14:21.250 --> 00:14:24.190 down from a father of heavenly lights Everything 00:14:24.190 --> 00:14:26.870 God does even when we don't deserve it is ultimately 00:14:26.870 --> 00:14:29.590 good even in suffering. We can trust that God 00:14:29.590 --> 00:14:34.029 is working for our good Romans 8 28 Jesus is 00:14:34.029 --> 00:14:36.370 the perfect model of goodness If you want to 00:14:36.370 --> 00:14:39.289 see what real goodness looks like, look at Jesus. 00:14:40.049 --> 00:14:43.690 He fed the hungry. Matthew 14, 13 -21. He forgave 00:14:43.690 --> 00:14:47.750 sinners. John 8, 1 -11. He sacrificed himself 00:14:47.750 --> 00:14:52.990 for us. John 10, 11. Luke 23 -34 records Jesus' 00:14:53.230 --> 00:14:55.909 words on the dross. Father forgive them, for 00:14:55.909 --> 00:14:58.549 they do not know what they are doing. So the 00:14:58.549 --> 00:15:00.929 question is, how do we live out this kind of 00:15:00.929 --> 00:15:03.889 goodness in our daily lives? Number 1. Start 00:15:03.889 --> 00:15:06.840 with integrity. Doing what's right even when 00:15:06.840 --> 00:15:10.320 no one is watching Colossians 3 23 tells us whatever 00:15:10.320 --> 00:15:13.159 you do work at it with all your heart as working 00:15:13.159 --> 00:15:16.259 for the Lord not for human masters Goodness starts 00:15:16.259 --> 00:15:19.000 in private being honest keeping your word and 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:21.539 doing the right thing even when no one will notice 00:15:21.539 --> 00:15:24.539 Think about it. Would you still do the right 00:15:24.539 --> 00:15:28.019 thing if there was no reward? Would you be honest 00:15:28.019 --> 00:15:32.159 with if no one was checking? True goodness isn't 00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:35.059 about recognition It's about who we are when 00:15:35.059 --> 00:15:38.500 no one is watching. Number two, overcoming evil 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:42.080 with goodness. Romans 12, 21 says, do not be 00:15:42.080 --> 00:15:44.419 overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 00:15:45.019 --> 00:15:47.460 This is hard. It's easy to return anger with 00:15:47.460 --> 00:15:50.539 anger, to gossip with another to gossip, or to 00:15:50.539 --> 00:15:53.220 hold grudges. But Jesus calls us to a different 00:15:53.220 --> 00:15:56.000 standard. Some practical ways to live this out, 00:15:56.039 --> 00:15:59.460 first of all, is at work. Instead of retaliating 00:15:59.460 --> 00:16:02.379 against a rude coworker, show patience and kindness. 00:16:03.159 --> 00:16:06.179 In relationships, forgive even when you're hurt. 00:16:06.779 --> 00:16:10.620 And on social media, speak life, not hate. Goodness 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:13.379 isn't passive, it's active. It's choosing to 00:16:13.379 --> 00:16:15.379 be light in a world filled with good darkness. 00:16:16.159 --> 00:16:18.980 Number three, be generous. Goodness in action. 00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:22.879 Galatians 6, 9, and 10 says, let us not grow 00:16:22.879 --> 00:16:26.240 weary in doing good, for at the proper time we 00:16:26.240 --> 00:16:29.320 will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, 00:16:29.340 --> 00:16:32.000 as we have the opportunity, let us do good to 00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:34.840 all people. This means helping those in need, 00:16:35.159 --> 00:16:38.820 even when it's inconvenient, giving without expecting 00:16:38.820 --> 00:16:41.980 anything in return, being a source of encouragement 00:16:41.980 --> 00:16:45.960 to others. One powerful example is the good Samaritan, 00:16:46.120 --> 00:16:50.299 Luke 10, 25 -37. Religious people ignored him. 00:16:50.580 --> 00:16:54.899 A Samaritan, who had every reason to walk away, 00:16:55.059 --> 00:16:57.940 chose to help. That's real goodness, helping 00:16:57.940 --> 00:17:00.879 even when you don't have to. Living out goodness 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:03.539 isn't easy. but it's what we're called to do. 00:17:04.099 --> 00:17:06.680 And here's the best part. We don't have to force 00:17:06.680 --> 00:17:09.319 goodness. We don't have to fake goodness. God 00:17:09.319 --> 00:17:12.200 through his spirit produces it in us. Let's not 00:17:12.200 --> 00:17:15.259 just talk about goodness. Let's live it. So here 00:17:15.259 --> 00:17:16.940 are three challenges that I have for you this 00:17:16.940 --> 00:17:20.319 week. Number one, practice patience by choosing 00:17:20.319 --> 00:17:23.440 to respond calmly in frustrating situations. 00:17:24.160 --> 00:17:26.859 Whether it's hating in a long line, dealing with 00:17:26.859 --> 00:17:29.349 a difficult coworker, or facing an unexpected 00:17:29.349 --> 00:17:31.990 delay, take a deep breath and remind yourself 00:17:31.990 --> 00:17:34.549 to trust God's timing rather than reacting to 00:17:34.549 --> 00:17:39.170 frustration. 2. Perform at least one intentional 00:17:39.170 --> 00:17:42.549 act of kindness each day of the week. This could 00:17:42.549 --> 00:17:45.430 be complimenting a stranger, writing a thoughtful 00:17:45.430 --> 00:17:48.509 note, or helping someone in need. The goal is 00:17:48.509 --> 00:17:50.809 to cultivate a habit of kindness in both words 00:17:50.809 --> 00:17:54.789 and actions. 3. Stand firm in doing what is right, 00:17:55.150 --> 00:17:57.819 even when it's difficult or unpopular. This might 00:17:57.819 --> 00:18:00.420 mean speaking up for someone who is being mistreated, 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:04.539 refusing to engage in gossip, or making ethical 00:18:04.539 --> 00:18:07.799 decisions at work even if it comes at a cost. 00:18:08.559 --> 00:18:10.480 Thank you for joining me today on the Unfiltered 00:18:10.480 --> 00:18:12.500 Faith Podcast. If you liked today's episode, 00:18:12.680 --> 00:18:14.759 don't forget to leave a review and share this 00:18:14.759 --> 00:18:17.019 episode with someone who might need it. I'd love 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:19.359 to connect with you. Please follow me on my Instagram, 00:18:19.660 --> 00:18:22.250 the Unfiltered Faith Podcast. Until next time, 00:18:22.569 --> 00:18:24.769 keep seeking those fresh perspectives and keep 00:18:24.769 --> 00:18:26.950 having those unfiltered conversations with someone 00:18:26.950 --> 00:18:29.029 to better understand the world around us.