Abundant Living - GlobalReach.org

K i n d n e s s a n d G o o d n e s s : T h e T w i n F r u i t149“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truthcame through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). The law had truth, butnot grace. In Jesus we have both truth and grace. Glory be toGod! Through God’s grace manifested by the Lord Jesus we getnot what we really deserve, but what His love and grace freelygive to us.The excellence of goodness is summed up in what isreferred to as the Golden Rule: “In everything, do to otherswhat you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Lawand the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). In other words, we treatothers the way God treats us—with mercy and grace.When Paul commended the Corinthian Christians for theirgenerosity (2 Corinthians 8:1–15) he reminded them that it wasthe grace of God in them which moved them to that action.Six times the word charis, meaning “grace,” is used: in verses1, 7, 9, and 19. The word charis is closely related to the HolySpirit, who produced in these Christians the fruit of goodness,or liberal generosity.Application9 Match each concept (right) with terms or descriptionsrelated to that concept (left). Write the letter for your choice ineach blank space.. . . a Found both in the Law and in Jesus. . . b Combines mercy with grace. . . c Keeps strictly to the Law. . . d Associated with knowledge. . . e Gives what is deserved. . . f Gives what is not deserved1) Goodness2) Righteousness3) Truth