The concepts of Good and Evil must be understood properly if we are to act upon them responsibly. In all things, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, and the parts are three. The whole of Good is comprised of Truth, Justice, and Righteousness. What is not Truth is a Lie. What is not Just is Criminal. What is not Right is Wrong. That which is not Good is Evil. These absolutes have become obscured, and we must learn to separate them, reverting to simplicity.
To be Good, however, is not enough. Truth may be spoken without Kindness, Justice served without Compassion, and Right Action taken without Understanding. Good must be balanced with Love.
Love seeks to uplift others, never to tear them down. Therefore, in speaking Truth we must choose our words carefully so that those to whom we speak will be made better. In ministering Justice we must be careful that the punishment is no more severe than the crime (this is called Mercy). In acting Righteously we must be careful not to condemn others for their unrighteous actions.
To act with Love, however, is not enough. In speaking Kindness we may bolster arrogance. In being Merciful we may be too lenient, therefore not convincing the criminal to change (this is Repentance). In not condemning others we may encourage their unrighteousness (Iniquity). Love must be balanced with Serenity.
When we are Serene, our emotions are not in control of us and we are free to act without passion or prejudice. In Serenity we will say only what must be said, punish with exactitude, and set a proper example by our actions.
When we combine Good, Love, and Serenity then we have the concept of Godliness.
