Somehow I think the importance of goodness is understated. Perhaps it’s because we talk about being “good” so often. We use the word for everything, a good sleep, a good-bye, a good day. We forget that we are also meant to be good.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21

God’s expectation of “being good” might be a little different than our own though. Sometimes we say “be good” to our kids, in the sense that they mind their manners and don’t destroy things. But God wants our goodness to do more than that.

He wants more than “please and thank you’s,” God wants our goodness to reflect him. He wants it to overcome evil.

One of my favourite movie quotes is from Lord of the Rings. Sam is encouraging Frodo on their quest, at a point where they are losing hope. Frodo asks why they should continue and Sam responds with “There’s some good in this world Mr. Frodo…and it’s worth fighting for.”

It isn’t so much what Sam said but how he said it. He was encouraging his companion at a moment when it felt like they couldn’t continue. He reminded him that having good in the world is far better than evil.

Overcoming evil is no easy thing. There is a lot of darkness in the world but when we carry God’s lamp we can overcome that darkness. God asks us to do good works as a way to shine our lamps.

We don’t have to go on a long journey as a way to do good things though! God’s light will shine in little acts. Small things that make someone’s day better and brighter. When we do these things out of the goodness of our hearts, without expecting rewards, that’s when we overcome evil.

Just as God shows his goodness in small ways to us. He does it not to be rewarded but because God is good! We have a Heavenly Father who is full of mercy and grace. He wants to fill us with joy, love and peace because that’s who He is.

Being Good

Being “good” doesn’t mean taking on extra work or tasks. It doesn’t mean giving something up for someone else. While these are noble actions worthy of thanks, they don’t have to be done on a regular basis.

Goodness can be in the little things, encouraging words, kind acts and when we look for ways to make someone’s day better! God sees our goodness whether it is big or small. When it comes from our heart, from a place of love and grace, He doesn’t care what the action is, He smiles at the fact that we are striving to be like Him.

So go out and do good! Overcoming evil doesn’t have to be a big scary event. Being good means shining your Jesus-lamp and showing God’s love wherever you may roam!