What are the differences and relationship of these words? Goodness (Agathos) is the inner quality of moral integrity, virtue, and uprightness; a commitment to God’s will and what is right. The focus is the heart, character, and motives. For example, choosing to honor God and live righteously even when it’s difficult. On the other hand, kindness (Chrestotes) is the outward demonstration of goodness through compassionate action, helpfulness, and generosity. The focus is on the actions and how we treat others. For example, offering a meal to someone in need, helping a stranger, or showing patience and forgiveness. Even though the terms are different, they also show a relationship: Goodness is the foundation; kindness is the manifestation. A person can do kind acts without being truly good (kindness without goodness), but a genuinely good person, empowered by the Spirit’s Word, will naturally express kindness (Matt. 7:21-23). Jesus perfectly embodies both: His character (goodness) led to His actions (kindness).
From giving Peter a chance to undo his three denials (John 21:15-17), to praying for the souls of those crucifying Him (Luke 23:34), to interacting with all kinds of unclean and diseased people (Luke 8, 17), Jesus models active, useful, unstoppable kindness that should drive our every interaction. Does an honest look at your daily interactions similarly reveal the fruit of kindness in your heart, or does an unpleasant image emerge? Is the stain of anger choking out your kindness? This does not have to continue! Stop feeding the weeds in the garden of your heart. Do not give place to anger or allow Satan a foothold in your heart (Eph. 4:26-27). We can do several things to protect our fruit of kindness from the blight of bitterness. As we study kindness in Scripture and honestly examine our hearts (internal causes), let us look for the roots of unkindness and bitterness, to root them out (Heb. 12:15; 1 John 3:20; Job 13:23). We also need to examine our lives and see why we are struggling with kindness (external causes) and thin out those things. This could mean letting go of excessive commitments that overwhelm us to the point we snip at others or neglect opportunities to be kind. It could mean we stop watching our favorite show because of the unwholesome attitudes of characters that foster and feed our unkindness (Gal. 6:7-8). It could even mean spending less time with “friends” who encourage us in unfruitful behavior (1 Cor. 15:33).
While present as God in the flesh on earth, Jesus also manifested the goodness of the character of God, committing no sin (Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 2:22; 1 John 3:5). As the Word, He overcame evil with good through relying on the revealed, written will of God (Luke 4:1-13). His ministry comprised going about doing good (Acts 10:38), which was clearly defined by His works. He performed miracles, healing many incurable diseases and ailments, casting out demons and unclean spirits, and raising people from the dead. Almost as astounding as these miracles, Jesus showed a depth of compassion, even for strangers and sinners. He gently forgave sins and patiently taught all who came to Him, including even those who stood in opposition to Him. Developing the fruit of goodness involves the intentional pursuit of God’s way. Filling our minds with good things that are approved by God, our hearts are transformed so that He approves our character (Phil. 4:8). Our first steps toward righteousness are to turn our hearts, minds, and feet away from evil. Yet, goodness must go much further. If we repent of sin but fail to fill our lives with the substance of God’s ways and words, the production of God’s fruit is hindered, and we may end up even worse than before (Matt. 12:43-45; 2 Pet. 2:20). Conversely, by continually walking in the goodness that is taught by God, we can overcome even the power of evil (Rom. 12:21). Pursuing goodness leads to good conduct that is both honorable and observable (1 Pet. 3:13). By choosing to imitate what is good, clearly exhibited for us by Jesus Christ, we demonstrate by external action that our hearts belong to God (3 John 11). Pursuing goodness involves more than intent. It involves more than desire. Pursuing goodness requires work, labor, effort, and striving (Rom. 2:10; Eph. 4:28). It involves doing (Gal. 6:10; 1 Pet. 3:11). It involves proving (Rom. 12:2). It involves clinging (Rom. 12:9; 1 Thess. 5:21).
-Mel Hutzler