Once God’s Spirit is at work within us, it produces the fruit of: “love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 These virtues comes together to reflect the overall character of God!
This week, our focus is on the fruit on Goodness! Through the work of the Holy Spirit in us, God reproduces His goodness in our hearts, and it shows in our lives. This goodness empowers us to live lives characterized by the desire to act righteously and for the practical benefit of others. As others see the work of God in us, they will “give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Welcome to week 8 of our 9 week study on the 9 fruits of the Spirit (smile)!
In the Bible, the “goodness” of God often refers to His gracious generosity in providing abundantly for mankind’s needs and benefits (Psalms 23:6, Psalms 65:11). It can also refer to God’s generous mercy and patience that allow more time for sinners to repent (Romans 2:4)
But God’s goodness is much more than those things. It is the very essence of God’s nature— His righteousness and holiness. In Ephesians 5:9, we see that His goodness is closely associated with righteousness and truth. To the extent that we have God’s goodness, we have godliness or God-likeness.
The Bible gives us God’s complete “instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). We should cherish it and read it far more than any other book or resource! Only through it can we learn to be like God.
Here are A Few Scriptures on Goodness:
Psalm 33:4-5: “For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD”
Psalm 52:1 tells us that “the goodness of God endures continually.” What is that goodness? It includes an absolute commitment to good over evil and right over wrong. The fruit of the Spirit of goodness mentioned in Galatians 5:22 also includes generously doing good to others.
