What is Good?

“Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭21‬ ‭

There is a quote that has stuck with me many years, it has been credited to many. I heard it on the television show 7th Heaven from the father on the show. He said “All it takes for evil to win is for a good man to do nothing.” I would guess someone made the comment based on this Scripture. But what is good?

The word for good in the Greek is agathos. Lexicon :: Strong’s G18 defines this as what is upright, honorable, and acceptable to God: the word expresses the general idea of right. Specifically, what is salutary, suited to the course of human affairs.

Jesus spoke about being good. “And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭18‬ ‭

There are many passages in the New Testament that speak of doing and thinking good. We are told that Hod works things out for good. Not that things are always good, but in the end they will work out that way.

“We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬

We are told that there will likely be times we get tired of doing good. I believe that points back to the fact that sometimes despite the good we do, bad things happen. We have to continue the good to overcome the evil. It is only after the work that the harvest is reaped.‭

“So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest.” Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬

We are told that the Word of God equips is to do good. It prepares us, correcting and instructing us. Our flesh nature is not good. We need the Word to teach us.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭

We are also told to fill our mind with good things. Our mind has to be renewed and every though lined up with God’s Word. Only then will we be able to focus on the good, true, noble, right , lovely and honorable things.

“In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬

Good does not come from us. It comes from allowing God to work in and through us. It comes from renewing our mind with the Word of God. Then and only then can we begin to carry out the good works that will eventually reap the good harvest God has called us to. God and His work in and through us, that is what is good.