In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the famous "Fruits of The Spirit".
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are straight forward concepts that even children can easily understand, yet there is deep personal meaning and blessings found in everyone of them! As far as I've ever encountered, there is not much controversy surrounding this passage. But I did have one question about the two of the fruits that I have never pondered before now. What is the difference between kindness and goodness?
Not just generally, but what they mean in this specific context. Those words in the minds of people today seem like very similar concepts, that are almost virtually interchangeable. But I would think Paul would not use those words if they were the same. I would believe that Paul used those two words to convey a different meaning even if they are similar.
To be kind is a good thing, and to be a good person definitely involves a strong sense of kindness. But for as much as they are similar, some things do stand out about their differences. For instance, one might say it is good to give someone tough love, and discipline in the right context, but might not call it kind. Also, some acts done in ignorance and well intention might be called kind, even if they did not do the good thing.
A quick look into the Greek words Paul used (I am no expert on Greek at all) does not reveal anything to me. Strong's Concordance defines the word kindness in the verse as, " goodness, excellence, uprightness" and the word goodness as, "to do good". This only makes them seem even more similar.
My opinion right now, is that Paul is using kindness as doing good, and goodness as being good. Still quite similar, but if there was a difference in Paul's mind, this seems to be it.
I have a few questions that would be great if someone were to answer them.
What do you think Paul might have meant by these words and what differences would their definitions have?
What meanings could Paul be emphasizing by using both of these words?
Thank you to anyone who takes the time to discuss this with me. I am working through this passage as a way to pray for other people, and got stuck on this question.
GODBWYE
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are straight forward concepts that even children can easily understand, yet there is deep personal meaning and blessings found in everyone of them! As far as I've ever encountered, there is not much controversy surrounding this passage. But I did have one question about the two of the fruits that I have never pondered before now. What is the difference between kindness and goodness?
Not just generally, but what they mean in this specific context. Those words in the minds of people today seem like very similar concepts, that are almost virtually interchangeable. But I would think Paul would not use those words if they were the same. I would believe that Paul used those two words to convey a different meaning even if they are similar.
To be kind is a good thing, and to be a good person definitely involves a strong sense of kindness. But for as much as they are similar, some things do stand out about their differences. For instance, one might say it is good to give someone tough love, and discipline in the right context, but might not call it kind. Also, some acts done in ignorance and well intention might be called kind, even if they did not do the good thing.
A quick look into the Greek words Paul used (I am no expert on Greek at all) does not reveal anything to me. Strong's Concordance defines the word kindness in the verse as, " goodness, excellence, uprightness" and the word goodness as, "to do good". This only makes them seem even more similar.
My opinion right now, is that Paul is using kindness as doing good, and goodness as being good. Still quite similar, but if there was a difference in Paul's mind, this seems to be it.
I have a few questions that would be great if someone were to answer them.
What do you think Paul might have meant by these words and what differences would their definitions have?
What meanings could Paul be emphasizing by using both of these words?
Thank you to anyone who takes the time to discuss this with me. I am working through this passage as a way to pray for other people, and got stuck on this question.
GODBWYE
