Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is … goodness”
The word “goodness” comes from the word “good.” All of us know people that we consider good, and others, evil.
People that are considered good in the Bible are those who live with uprightness of heart and life. They are also kind.
“Goodness” is more than a state of being. Just because a person does not do evil does not make them a good person in God’s eyes. Many do not do evil only because they do not have the opportunity or because they are afraid someone will find out.
The fruit of the Spirit’s part in generating “goodness” in us refers to His leading us to be good in heart and mind and to do good outwardly to others. By His leading, we will desire to do good: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (Ja. 4:17).
By grace, we can be good to others with the Lord’s help because He has been and continues to be good to us. II Thessalonians 1:11 says: “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power.”
Matthew 7:17,18 says: “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” Is the Holy Spirit producing goodness in you?