Expressing the Fruit of the Spirit at Work: Goodness

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)

As we continue our series on Expressing the Fruit of the Spirit at Work, let’s take a fresh look at GOODNESS. Goodness deliberately falls between faithfulness and kindness, as it is another of His characteristics which is intermingled in how it is expressed by both God, and us, His daughters.

GOODNESS is defined by the Oxford Languages Dictionary as both:

1. the quality of being morally good or virtuous, as well as

2. the nourishing element of food.

We can all agree that it is hard to have a great output when you have a reduced or limited input.

If we are to be imitators of God’s character, then we need to demonstrate being morally good wherever we are:

“The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in GOODNESS and truth.” (Exodus 34:6 KJV)

If we are God’s people, Scripture points out how we need to be nourishing ourselves upon His Word, as the second definition of GOODNESS implies.

“The good people taste Your goodness.” (Psalm 18:25)

“...tasted the goodness of the Word of God.” (Hebrews 6:5)

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

By studying His Word, we are consuming the goodness the Word contains into our hearts and minds, so we are then able to display this God-given goodness to those around us - whether family, friends, coworkers, or clients.

“Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered Himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.” (Titus 2:11-14 MSG)

This goodness we receive in Christ shows just how impactful we are to be as His children, regardless of whom we encounter. This can be seen so visibly in the workplace during sudden stressful and unexpected situations.

“Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:20-21 MSG)

Responding with a heart focused on goodness, His kind of goodness, allows us to:

• reply to a hard word with kindness

• release peace into a tense conversation

• reassure an uneasy employee or client that their concerns matter

even if you don’t agree with how they delivered their message. Just as God does with us when we draw near to tell Him what is on our minds.

Goodness is put into action by the Spirit, but only if we are fueled by His Word and open to being His conduits of goodness wherever we are.

Bringing This to God in Prayer

God, thank You for Your goodness. I know first hand how grateful I am when You speak to me out of a heart of goodness in the moments when my temper is short, my thoughts are unkind, and I’m drained from too much busyness and not enough time spent in Your Word. Would You help me to respond with Your goodness in every situation I will encounter today? In Jesus’ Mighty Name, and with Holy Spirit’s empowerment, Amen.

May God keep you and bless you as you display His goodness through your actions at work, today and always.

Karla, Guest Blogger

www.karlalees.com

Proverbs at Work: Get Sweet Sleep

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24)

You have likely heard of the term “sleep deprivation.” Medically, it means getting less than the needed amount of sleep, which, for adults, ranges from seven to nine hours per night. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 35 percent of Americans sleep less than seven hours per night. That is a lot of people who are sleep deprived and feel the effects of it.

Do you need help with getting enough sleep? Not all sleep problems are easily treated, and you could have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. In addition, arthritis, heartburn, headaches, pain, certain medications, and hot flashes can cause sleeplessness. You may be going through a temporary season which is causing a lack of sleep right now, have become a new Mom, a family member might be unwell, or you are working on a project. Determine if there is anything you can change (a chance to be creative with problem-solving!) but just do the best you can during a difficult season. On the other hand, if you are doing too many things, evaluate all you do and determine what you can change.

Fear, or worry, can also cause sleeplessness. It does not need to. The Lord has told us in Proverbs 3 that when we do not let wisdom and knowledge out of our sight, we will not be afraid when we lie down, and our sleep will be sweet because the Lord is on our side. Apply these 3 steps:

• Is there something you are worrying about that is keeping you from sleeping? What specifically is it?

• Ask God for wisdom and knowledge on how to deal with this concern. Thank Him that He is on your side. Give it to God and leave it there with the knowledge you have followed His direction.

• Then, thank Him for His promise, and have a sweet sleep.

Our 10 Tips to Help You Sleep Better

1. Go to bed at the same time. If you are making a drastic change, adjust by doing this in small daily increments, such as 15 minutes.

2. Establish a relaxing “pre-sleep” routine in the hour before you go to bed: have a bath, pray, read, do relaxation exercises, listen to music: something that relaxes you.

3. Turn off the computer and cell phone, and do not watch TV before bed.

4. Eat early enough and try to finish dinner several hours before bed. If you get hungry, choose the food you know will not disturb your sleep.

5. Do not do vigorous exercise too late. However, a gentle exercise like yoga may help with a good night’s sleep.

6. Avoid napping during the day as it can disturb the normal pattern of sleep and wakefulness. If you need to nap, try to keep it short and before 5 p.m.

7. Avoid things like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol too close to bedtime. Remember, chocolate has caffeine.

8. Balance your fluids. Don’t drink so little that you wake up thirsty but not so much and/or so close to bedtime that you will be awakened to go to the bathroom.

9. Avoid upsetting discussions but try not to go to bed angry with someone. Consider sharing how you feel. Try to have the conversation early enough and/or gently share how you feel and arrange to have a proper discussion at the earliest opportunity.

10. Make sure your bed is comfortable, and the room is a comfortable temperature and not too bright.

Bringing This to God in Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love, faithfulness, and provision. Thank You that I do not have to have sleepless nights due to fear or worry. You have said I can have a sweet sleep. Thank You for your promise in Psalms 4:8, where You tell us we can lie down and sleep for You make me dwell in safety. I give this worry over ______________________ to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God bless, and I pray you will have a wonderful week full of sweet sleep!

Bonny, Christian Women at Work

Proverbs at Work: Don’t Withhold

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act.” (Proverbs 3:27)

Managing a business is so much more than the financials, marketing, scheduling, policies and procedures (and I am very much a policies and procedures person!). Without a doubt, metrics need to be gathered and analyzed. Invoices need to go out, bills need to be paid. Your suppliers will not be happy if you withhold payment, or in other words, what is due to them. Have you ever thought you might be withholding things (good things) from your staff and colleagues which you might be able to act on?

What is meant by the “good” in “don’t withhold good”?

Well, it may be particular to your role, your opportunities, and your staffing situation. “Good” does not just mean a pay raise, but it is good to regularly review this. Of course, we need to be wise in our businesses to ensure viability, but we also need to be wise about how we treat others. And, specifically, if we might be holding good things back from people when we are able to provide them.

God says to not withhold good if it is in your power to act. “Good” can mean many things, such as:

1. A promotion or a new position to acknowledge someone’s skills and loyalty. In that way, you are not withholding the demonstration of appreciation and acknowledgment of their abilities.

2. Recognizing someone struggling with a personal difficulty and letting them know you are there to support them. In that way, you are not withholding the opportunity to make life easier for them.

3. Giving time off during the workday for a special event such as a child’s race or concert. In that way, you are not withholding the experience and memory of a special moment they cannot have back.

4. Providing a change in schedule, work hours, or responsibilities so they can care for a loved one. In that way, you are not withholding the time and energy they need to address a difficult situation.

5. Providing forgiveness and understanding to someone who has not worked to their usual standards. Have a conversation, let them know your concerns, listen to understand what caused them to behave that way, and support them in taking steps to improve. In that way, you are not withholding the return of their pride and dignity.

There may be times you would like to do something considered a good thing by your employee, but it is really not reasonable. Sometimes, an employee asks for something which would be good for them, but unfortunately, not possible in your business or business model. When requests are unusual, pray to God for discernment. Always remember to respond to others as you would like to be responded to if you were requesting something.

Sometimes, you may not know you may be withholding something good for people because they don’t let you know their needs. They may be silent, but their face shows their struggles. In those cases, do not wait for them to ask for help. Take time to ask them how they are doing. Having a conversation may allow you to live Proverbs 3:7 at work and “provide something good” for people you work with, and it is in your power to do so.

This week, be understanding and open to requests, even if they do not seem reasonable or possible. There may be a way that will work for the person and the business.

This week, ask God to discern who may be struggling and who could use “a touch of good.” See what God puts on your heart, and do not withhold it if you can do it!

Taking This to God in Prayer:

Lord, thank You for my workplace. Please help me to be open to opportunities to “not withhold good” when I can. Lord, help me to display You at work with the care, thoughtfulness, and compassion people so often desperately need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have a wonderful week, and “do good”!

Bonny, Christian Women at