Fruit of the Spirit – Goodness

by | Jul 8, 2024 | 0 comments

Goodness, the sixth characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV), is defined biblically as naturally doing good actions or a zealous activity to do good for another person’s benefit. As Christians we are called to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ and by actively doing good for others we show his love for them. When we strive to do good for our own benefit, it is not truly goodness that we possess. We are incapable of being or doing good on our own. It is the indwelling of the fruit of the Spirit that manifests itself from within our heart that the characteristic of goodness grows.

In Greek, the word goodness, agathosune, means “an uprightness of heart and life.” When we act out of true goodness of the heart and reflect the characteristic of Christ, we are obedient to God’s commandments and seek the benefit of others. When we place the needs of others before our own, our actions come from a place of selflessness. When we act out of goodness heartily from the soul, we are acting out God’s love for others.

Praise

Praise God for filling our hearts with his goodness and being our guiding light as we show compassion and love to others. “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14, ESV)

Examine the Scriptures

Why can’t I be or do good without God?

No one is good except God, so it is the indwelling of God himself through the Holy Spirit in us that generates good deeds. “And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.’” (Mark 10:18, ESV)

How does being good to others affect us?

We are blessed by our actions when we build up, restore, and refresh others. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23, ESV)

How is being good to others important to God?

When we live in a way that reflects the character of Christ, we glorify God. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Pray

Father God,

Hear our prayers of desire for the fruit of the Spirit. May our acts of goodness come from hearts filled with your Spirit, creating a ripple that spreads love and compassion. Grant us the strength to show goodness to all we meet. May our gestures inspire others to do the same, creating a wave of goodness that touches every heart. We pray that the goodness that comes from us is not for our own benefit but glorifies you.

In Jesus’ name

Amen.

Share with your friends

We’d like to hear from you…

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Articles

Loving the Unlovely

Loving the Unlovely

It is easy to love others when we are loved; this is circumstantial and based on feelings. But what about those who frustrate, anger, criticize, disappoint, hurt, or even just plain annoy us? Can we be genuinely loving to them when they are unlovely? Withholding encouragement, affirmation, and love or withdrawing from difficult people is a form of rejecting not only them but also our Lord Jesus.

Yielding Our Hearts to God in the Face of Adversity

Yielding Our Hearts to God in the Face of Adversity

Do you seek God’s face during times of distress, or do overwhelming circumstances cloud your spiritual vision? As Christian grandparents, we are called to pass down a legacy of faith to our grandchildren. This includes helping them to understand that God’s love for them is immeasurable, immutable, and everlasting, even during times of hardship and pain.

The Fine Art of Loving Well

The Fine Art of Loving Well

The only chance we have for carrying out God’s command to love one another is by bending our will to live according to his will. We don’t always know what that looks like. God does. Follow his Word with your eye on the ultimate prize of spending eternity with your loved ones as part of the family of Christ in the Kingdom of God.

About the Author

Terri Sherrow

Terri Sherrow

Terri Sherrow serves as the Prayer Ministry Coordinator. She is our monthly blog writer who develops user-friendly devotions for grandparents and grandchildren. She leads a Grandparents @ Prayer (G@P) Group in her home church, Clear Creek Baptist Church, where she also serves as Prayer Ministry Director, teaches and writes Sunday school lessons.