The concept of Good thing in Christianity
The concept of "Good thing" varies across different belief systems, but it generally refers to the positive and beneficial aspects in life. In Christianity, it encompasses blessings from God, moral actions, and necessary sacrifices that lead to well-being. The rich man's privileges provide a stark contrast to the suffering of others, illustrating the disparities in divine provisions. Similarly, other traditions acknowledge the significance of positive experiences and actions that align with righteousness and spiritual fulfillment, encouraging individuals to seek and appreciate these good things in their lives.
Synonyms: Benefit, Advantage, Positive aspect, Blessing, Merit, Boon, Perk, Virtue, Gain.
In Swedish: Bra; In Dutch: Goed ding; In Finnish: Hyvä asia; In Spanish: Qué bueno; In German: Gute Sache; In Malay: Perkara yang baik; In French: Bonne chose
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Good thing'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) This phrase refers to the blessings and positive outcomes that result from following the Lord's commandments. This reveals the benefits of righteousness.[1] (2) This term refers to the law, which has a shadow of good things to come, indicating a deeper meaning and emphasizing a deeper interpretation.[2] (3) This phrase refers to the positive aspects of life, such as the land, which are available to those who are willing and hear the speaker.[3] (4) These are the provisions of the earth that the speaker bestowed upon the poor and those in distress, and it demonstrates the speaker's kindness and generosity.[4] (5) Good things are referenced in the text as part of the glad tidings of which many people preached.[5]
From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary
(1) The things that a good person brings forth from their treasure, originating from within the heart and being spoken by the mouth.[6] (2) A phrase referring to beneficial outcomes or gifts that are believed to come from God to those who ask faithfully.[7]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) These are the blessings or advantages, and the text implies that the rich man asserted exclusive rights to these.[8] (2) The text refers to good things, which sometimes must be given up, highlighting the necessity of sacrifice and making difficult choices to secure greater well-being, emphasizing the importance of making necessary sacrifices.[9] (3) These are the actions and deeds that stem from an individual's character, which requires a person of good nature to perform them.[10] (4) These are the positive aspects of life that we should focus on, and not let our hearts be the devil's copybooks for all evil things to scrawl their names there, as boys do on the walls.[11] (5) Refers to the blessings and positive outcomes that God provides to those who live faithfully and righteously.[12]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The relation of master and slave comes into conflict with that of the Christian communion or fellowship, and the problem is whether that fellowship will prove ‘effectual in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you unto Christ’.[13] (2) Refers to the beneficial items that arise from a person's treasury, according to the teachings of Jesus.[14] (3) A question posed to Jesus by men inquiring about how to attain life.[15]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) This describes the positive aspects that the Lord saw in Judah, even amidst the evil, and it reveals the divine perspective on Rehoboam's reign.[16] (2) The blessings and luxuries the rich man enjoyed in his lifetime, highlighting the disparity between his life and Lazarus's suffering.[17]
From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus
(1) Actions, words, or qualities that are considered positive or virtuous, and originate from a good source.[18] (2) The blessings and comforts of life the rich man enjoyed during his lifetime, which stand in contrast to Lazarus's suffering.[19]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) A phrase used by Nathanael to express skepticism about Nazareth's reputation.[20]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) Things that make a man happy, and a good will is reckoned among these, as it is an inclination of the will.[21] (2) This phrase is mentioned in the text as a part of a discussion about the concept of despising worldly things and the Apostle's words, offering a contrast in understanding.[22] (3) The positive actions performed by individuals which are acknowledged during the judgment as leading to reward.[23] (4) Beneficial outcomes or spiritual blessings that individuals are encouraged to seek in their prayers.[24] (5) Positive attributes or blessings received from God that should not be disparaged; rather, they should be valued and appreciated.[25]
From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis
(1) A good thing is something that a person does, and they are forthwith tempted to vainglory after doing it, as stated in the provided text.[26] (2) If a man might obtain and have the good things of the body in this world, because he would also gain those of the soul, because the body and the soul, without any doubt, must be joined together to suffer always or to rejoice always.[27] (3) The pleasures and rewards of worldly life that may not have lasting value beyond death.[28]
From: The city of God
(1) Those things which belong only to good men, and should be desired, and it is contrasted with evils, and it is the focus of what one should seek, and it will be obtained by good men in the future.[29] (2) These are things of this life that are conferred on some individuals who ask for them, and if given to all, it would be supposed that such were the only rewards of service, making people greedy.[30] (3) The advantages, such as temporal peace, that God imparted to men and that they can make a good use of in this mortal condition, to receive ampler and better blessings.[31]
From: Works of St. Anselm
(1) A concept or entity that is loved and known; if something is not known, it cannot be loved.[32] (2) Things that possess inherent value and are defined by their relation to the one being.[33]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) The messengers reported that they had found every good thing, indicating the positive outcome of their journey and the discovery of the heavenly Zion.[34] (2) Positive outcomes or gifts that are granted by God to those who follow His Will.[35] (3) An action or behavior that is favorable and aligned with divine righteousness.[36]
From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures
(1) The delights and pleasures experienced by Adam and Eve during their time in Paradise.[37]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) The specific legal question the ruler asked Jesus regarding what he must do to possess eternal life.[38] (2) These are the positive and beneficial aspects or items that one can bestow or provide, especially in the context of divine provision.[39]
Gnostic concept of 'Good thing'
From: Pistis Sophia
(1) Good things are associated with the satisfaction of longing, mentioned in the fifth verse of the Psalm, highlighting the positive aspects of life.[40]
The concept of Good thing in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Good thing" relates to a universal joy that transcends boundaries, emphasizing an everlasting happiness that everyone can appreciate and should prioritize. This concept highlights the importance of joy in the human experience.
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) This is something that all men can enjoy, which is the joy that should be the focus, and it is also the joy that is without end.[41]