Goodness--This refers to an uprightness of soul that abhors evil and loves what is good. It is a heart attitude that shows itself "in a zeal for Truth which rebukes, corrects, and chastises, as Christ when He purged the temple". It is a sterner version of kindness. It isn't wimpy, nor is it cross, but it's ready to go to the mat when truth and uprightness are at stake.
Kindness--Kindness is opposed to a harsh, crabby temper. It is easily pleased, "a mildness of temper, calmness of spirit, an unruffled disposition. It sweetens the temper; corrects an irritable disposition; disposes us to make all around as happy as possible." God is the only one who can tame our hearts and make us into women who are known for their kindness. Is your lifestyle marked with good deeds, expressed in grace and tenderness?
This book is written in the context of marriage...Are we women of goodness and kindness in our marriages? Sometimes our harsh crabby temper is seen mostly by our husbands. This is not God's plans for us...He wants us to show *real* kindness to our husbands. Being unkind can be an easy temptation to give into and we must be careful in this area. We must consider that not only is it a fruit (or evidence) of God's spirit working in our lives, it is also a commandment.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
