IMPERFECT AND PERFECT GOODNESS

There are many people who practice goodness imperfectly in the world. Have we ever been good? Why were we not bad instead?

There are many people who are good in the world not because they cherish goodness but because they are scared of the punishment for the failure to be good. There are many people who are good in this world simply because they seek a reward for their being good.

Imagine that there are no punishments for not being good and no reward for being good. Will there still be good people in the world and will goodness still be practiced?

It is imperfect to be good simply for fear of punishment and imperfect to be good simply for what one stands to gain. But it is perfect to be good for the sake of ‘goodness’ which is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Can one be good for the sake of goodness?

Love.
-Fr Abiagom Augustine cm