THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS…GOODNESS

For the fruit of the Spirit is in all GOODNESS and righteousness and truth – Ephesians 5:9

“But the fruit of the Spirit is…GOODNESS…” (Gal.5:22). This fruit of the Spirit is not as subjective as it sounds. God is the true Judge, Author, and Standard of Goodness. Jesus said, “Why do you call Me good? There is none good but one, that is, God” (Mk.10:18). “GOOD and upright is the Lord…” (Psa.25:8). Goodness is one of His attributes. When Moses prayed to know God’s Way, He simply made His Goodness to pass before His servant (Exo.33:19; 34:6). God is ever good, even if our situation is not; and He’ll ensure that all things work together for our good as we operate in His purpose (Rom.8:28).

Goodness is the state of being virtuous, benevolent, generous, and God-like in life and conduct. David was fascinated with God’s goodness: “Surely GOODNESS and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psa.23:6a); “Oh how great is Your GOODNESS, which You have laid up for those who fear, revere, and worship You…” (Psa.31:19). We also must exercise faith in God’s goodness, believe in and expect it (Psa.27:13). There is no scarcity of His goodness: “the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord” (Psa.33:5). But God is waiting to be good to those who wait for and expect His goodness (Isa.30:18). Ultimately, His goodness to us must find expression by His indwelling Spirit and flow to bless the rest of His creation.

We must never miss an opportunity to be good and to do good to others (Gal.6:10; Jam.4:17). Jesus went about doing good (Acts 10:38). Yet, goodness is not just about DOING ‘good’ deeds. There is more to goodness than what we do, because even the worst people in history have done good things at some point in time. It is more about BEING good in moral excellence and character. “Goodness” like “Kindness” implies a sense of productive generosity. A tree that is “good” is productive (Matt 7:17); land that is “good” is fertile (Luke 8:8); and a “good” employer is generous with his workers (Matt 20:15). Goodness also connotes the notions of being distinguished, excellent, honest, honourable, and valuing integrity.

True goodness comes from a good heart; it is uprightness of heart and life, developed by the Holy Spirit within us. Only a regenerated heart and transformed life can do the tough things Jesus requires, such as feeding your enemy or conquering evil with good (Lk.6:35; Rom.12:20-21). Being good to others requires sacrifice on our part (Heb.13:16). Goodness includes abstaining from all appearance of evil (Psa.34:14). There are times when for the good of another person, we would need to correct, rebuke, or chastise them (1The.5:22). The goodness of God leads to repentance (Rom.2:4). To pursue goodness, we must be instructed to consistently think on good things and communicate good words (Phil4:8; Pro.15:23).

It is important for you to nurture goodness in your life because you were created in Christ for good works (Eph.2:10). Good works are insufficient to secure salvation, yet they are part of its fruit (Eph.2:8-9; Tit.3:5; Mt.5:16). God didn’t save you to live a self-indulgent life. He saved you for a higher purpose: to serve Him and humanity. We must provoke one another to good works (Heb.10:24). Jesus described as good: those who keep God’s commandments (Mt.19:16-17); and those who use their talents to glorify God (Mt.25:21-23). Do you belong to these noble circles? Ultimately, true goodness is in Christ!