Focus on the Fruits! GOODNESS

What is “goodness”? Dictionary.com defines goodness as “moral excellence; virtue; kindness; generosity; excellence of quality; “the best part of anything.” Goodness in us is not simply created through our growth and experience. “Every good thing given, and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).

Jesus had a conversation with a rich young ruler in Luke 18:19. He said, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” Jesus, being fully God was not denying His own goodness, but rather, He was challenging the young man to consider his own, hoping His question would change the ruler’s wayward heart.

You may wonder why the Bible refers to certain men as “good.” Our goodness is always in relationship to righteousness obtained through salvation and a relationship with God. An example of the fruit of goodness in a man who loved God is illustrated with Barnabas in Acts 11:24, where it says, “for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” As believers, His goodness is inherent to us who love the Lord and are filled with His Spirit, as Barnabas was. We desire to exhibit God’s goodness and the qualities that are pleasing to the Lord when we let the Holy Spirit move through us. The light of God’s goodness will shine from us on those around us. “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16).

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: There are many uplifting scriptures about God’s goodness to us and how we are to extend His goodness to others. Pray over these and let them remind us we are children of the King Who is always good!

“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone— especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

“The Lord is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made” (Psalm 145:9).

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked” (Luke 6:35).

Prayer: We praise You for Your goodness to us as a faithful Father! Your name is lifted high above all names! Thank you for filling us with your goodness by the Holy Spirit. Help exhibit the fruit of Your goodness at work, school, or wherever we are this week— speaking and doing things that reflect You. Lead us to help others who need to hear about Jesus. Give us the words to speak to those with ears who will listen. Let us be bold in our faith to tell others Your good news! We thank You, Lord, for all You’ve done for us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen!

Final Thought: We are all masterpieces in God. He gave us new life in Christ, so we can do good things! (Ephesians 2:10)