Making a Path for Others

The spiritual fruit of kindness and goodness carves out a pathway for others

In Bible college, I had a professor who called me "the queen of inductive Bible study." I wasn't at all sure of what he meant until I looked it up. Inductive Bible study uses observation of the text, interpretation through research, and then application of the wisdom learned. It's not a learned way of reading the Bible for me, it's more of an intuitive approach. But because of this, I always feel compelled to share the insights I receive from the scriptures and writing seems to be my appointed path to do so. Truthfully, it really is one of the great joys of my heart.

So, when I read Acts 10:1-2 (MSG), it got my attention. "There was a man named Cornelius, who lived in Caesarea, captain of the Italian guard stationed there. He was a thoroughly good man. He had led everyone in his house to live worshipfully before God, was always helping people in need, and had the habit of prayer." What got my attention? –the phrase "He was a thoroughly good man."

This prompted me to write in the margin (yes, I write in my Bible) a question, "What is goodness?" From this context, the definition of Cornelius' goodness is his reverence for God that showed through kindness towards others, along with having a devoted prayer life.

I then looked up the original meaning of the idea of kindness used in this text (was always helping people in need). And it was here that I seemed to find the heart of what Holy Spirit was wanting me to learn. The Greek word used in Acts 10:1-2 for kindness means to produce, to make, to construct; in other words, to make a path for others. Interestingly enough, this definition included the word goodness.

So, I turned to Galatians and looked up kindness and goodness as part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Kindness: properly useable (for what is really needed); goodness which meets the need of others and avoids harshness. Goodness: This word isn't inate goodness. Only God is inately good. But rather, this word means intrinsic goodness, as a personal quality with a leaning toward kindness, rather than perfection.

Why am I sharing this? Because, I know encountering Jesus changes us, and there is no better place to get to know Him than the scriptures. I wish I could tell you that the Bible gives you easy, black and white answers to life's complex situations, but, I can't (You will gain wisdom, though). And no doubt some of you may fear the Bible because of it's complex nature, or because the scriptures have been misused to control and abuse others thoughout church history. But, for me, they were a lifeline used to save my life–literally. And when I read the words of this sacred text, I don't see a harsh God who withholds His goodness because we are not perfect enough. I see a God whose goodness is on display as He makes a way for us to find the abundant life He desires.

This is how I want to show up in life–using the creativity I have been given to foster kindness–to make a path for others. Life can be so unkind. And, I'm not one to point my fingers outwardly at others, because I understand we all have been formed and shaped by whatever life has presented. I am, however, an advocate for finding genuine freedom in Christ. And, I don't believe that to be a one-size-fits-all dogmatic agenda. You can't put freedom in a box. We are each uniquely designed to bring God glory by living authentically before Him.

My prayer is that Jubilee Seasons will be a pathway to rediscover this truth, and one that helps to cultivate joy for those looking to recover from the affects of stressful/traumatic seasons. You know, God is not afraid of your questions. I invite you to meet with Him the way I have learned. Open the New Testament and simply read what is there. Then, write down your questions and ask Him to show you His heart and His truth.

Cornelius wasn't schooled in the ways of God. He was part of the Roman guard. Scholars debate whether or not he was a genuine born-again believer at this point in the story, or not. But, he is called a thoroughly good man because he sought after the ways of God–which opened up the way for God's goodness to present itself to his entire household. Our heavenly Father really is just that good and just that kind.

Shalom friends!