Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is…goodness.

Goodness is a close cousin of kindness. In the original Greek the word is agathosune, and it finds its fullest expression in that which is willingly and sacrificially done for others. It is moral and spiritual excellence “manifested in active kindness” (Precept Austin Commentary). Do you have an active interest in the welfare of others? Are you on the lookout for people who need a little help? Are you quick to notice when someone needs a helping hand? These are all signs that goodness is alive and well in your spirit.

Paul prayed for this fruit of goodness to be manifest in the lives of the believers at Thessalonica (2 Th 1:11) and was convinced it was being manifest in the lives of the saints in Rome (Rom 15:14). Paul had heard about their goodness, implying that the way they lived and interacted with others gave proof of their possession of the Spirit and His fruit. This should certainly be true of modern-day Believers as well. In fact, if someone hired a private detective to follow you around all day for a week, this should be a part of their report:

“He/She had an unusual habit of looking out for the best interest of people around them. They routinely opened doors for people. They were quick to lend a helping hand. They stopped what they were doing to assist someone in need.”

Someone once said, “Goodness is virtue and holiness in action.” It is a natural outlet when you “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and then “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:37-39). It is a powerful blend of our good faith effort to do good and God’s goodness in general, which helps us to have a pure heart in our motivation. A Christian bearing the fruit of goodness will be a blessing to everyone they spend time with, as well as to those with whom they only have a passing interaction. I hope that can be said of you and me!