Christian Foundations

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. --Romans 5:3-4 

The Bible exhorts over and over again to be filled with godly virtues and the Holy Spirit. But what does this mean exactly? How do we know if we are full of goodness when we are full of sin, for example? 

Think for a moment about a sponge. Let’s say you pushed down with your finger ever so slightly on a sponge and water came running out. You could immediately assume that water filled the interior pockets of the sponge, right? 

The same is true of people in general. You can tell what fills a person on the inside by what comes out under pressure and in every other situation. As believers, we should always fill our hearts and minds with goodness, godly virtues, and the Holy Spirit. 

Paul said, “I myself am convinced…that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again…” (Romans 15:14-15). 

If someone were to push a pressure point in your life, what would come spilling out? Would it be filth and ungodly characteristics or holiness and goodness?  

Always be filled with the Holy Spirit and demonstrate godly virtues in every situation. Be prepared for the Lord to test your heart from time to time (see Proverbs 17:3). “…We speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). 

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for demonstrating His love and holiness to you, so that you can be a witness to others. Pray that He would fill you with goodness and saturate your heart and mind with His Word, so that your life will pour out godliness to others—even when the pressure is on.