But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
Goodness, or agathosune, is a trait referring to an uprightness or righteousness of the heart but one that also flows outward towards others. It is sometimes translated as generosity and is often associated with the idea of kindness.
Jesus said, “God alone is good.” But the Holy Spirit produces in us goodness as part of the fruit that we exhibit by His work within.
Goodness is not the absence of evil, but rather the inward character of godliness that dictates our behavior towards our neighbor. Goodness not only does what is right and just, but it goes further than required, extending grace and mercy. We seek to transform others by our goodness and find it transforms us as well.
As the Spirit nurtures our growth, we become more like Him. God is good. God alone is good. But we are His sons and daughters, children of light, and through the Spirit we exhibit goodness on His behalf.
I am grateful for His goodness. And grateful that He works in me. Let’s spread His light by exercising goodness wherever He has us.
