from the truth (Proverbs 1:10, 15). After all, we are to live life on a different plane. We are not to have “ fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness." Rather, we are to reprove them. We are to be fruit ful in producing good things rather than those which are the result of the works of darkness. To "re prove" comes from the idea of cross-examination in a court of law. It is also used in debate where one attempts to show someone the er rors of their way. Not only does it mean taking a stand, but also show ing the falacies on the other side. There is most certainly a time for Christians to take sides and speak out for goodness and righteous ness. This quality of character naturally leads to action. We need to stand as believers in contrast to those
who have loose tongues, loose thoughts, loose morals. Any kind of questionable living is off base. Goodness therefore is a refer ence to the Christian's nature when he is living as he should before God. As a fruit of the Spirit it means that we are to produce spiritual goodness. We do it not to win God's favor for this is accomplished only through Christ. Our reason is because God desires it. In so doing we spend our energies producing good fruit rather than anger, hate, strife, and immorality (Galatians 5:16). The good qualities of life in peace, joy and the other fruit will continue to escape us as long as we produce the fruits of unrighteous ness. Let us be men and women who are wholly desirous of produc ing good things spiritually.
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