Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness


"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul presents the Fruit of the Spirit as a singular entity with multiple characteristics, one of which is goodness. In the Christian context, goodness is not merely moral behavior but an inherent quality that mirrors the character of God in our lives. It’s about personifying God’s goodness in our actions, decisions, and interactions with others.

This demands a transformation that begins from within; it requires a change that only the Holy Spirit can initiate in the hearts of believers.

Goodness, as part of the fruit of the Spirit, is not something we can generate on our own. It is cultivated through our relationship with God and nurtured by staying connected to Him—like branches to a vine. As we submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit, the evidence of goodness becomes apparent in our lives, not as a badge of honor for ourselves but as a beacon of God’s transformative love in the world.

Is there an area of your life where you could embody God’s goodness more fully? How can you actively demonstrate goodness in your interactions with others?