Known By Their Fruit: Goodness

Matthew 7:16-20: "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them".

Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Goodness, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, is a fruit of the Spirit that goes beyond simple morality or good deeds. It is a deep, abiding virtue that reflects the very character of God. The Greek word used for goodness, agathosune, speaks of an uprightness of heart and life, a goodness that is not just about what we do but about who we are as we walk in step with the Spirit.

The Nature of True Goodness

Biblical goodness is not just about outward actions, it is about an inner transformation. It is a heart that seeks righteousness, justice, and truth, not for self-gain but out of love for God and others. It is a goodness that remains steadfast, even when it is difficult or unnoticed. It is not motivated by applause or approval but by a sincere desire to honor God and care for others.

True goodness is both active and intentional. It is more than avoiding wrongdoing, it is the pursuit of what is right, noble, and pleasing to the Lord. Goodness does not sit idly by in the face of need, injustice, or falsehood. Instead, it moves to bring light, healing, and truth into the world.

Jesus: The Perfect Example of Goodness

The life of Jesus is the perfect picture of agathosune. Every word He spoke, every action He took, reflected the goodness of God. He was compassionate to the broken, merciful to the repentant, and unwavering in righteousness.

His goodness was evident when He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and forgave sinners. It was also evident when He called people to repentance, confronted hypocrisy, and challenged those who misrepresented God’s heart. His goodness was never passive, it was bold, pure, and always aligned with the will of the Father.

One powerful example is found in John 8, when a woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus. Instead of condemning her as others had, He extended mercy while also calling her to a transformed life: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” His goodness was not permissiveness, nor was it harsh judgment, it was both grace and truth perfectly intertwined.

Living Out the Fruit of Goodness

As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in this same kind of goodness. Because it is a fruit of the Spirit, it is not something we can manufacture in our own strength, it is the result of abiding in Christ and allowing His character to shape us. The more we seek Him, the more His goodness will flow through us.

Practically, living out goodness looks like:

Pursuing righteousness, Aligning our actions, thoughts, and words with God’s truth.

Being generous. Freely giving our time, resources, and love to serve others. Standing for justice. Defending the oppressed, speaking truth, and working to bring light where there is darkness. Showing mercy. Extending grace to others, even when it is undeserved.

Walking in integrity. Living with honesty, faithfulness, and consistency in all areas of life.

Goodness is not always easy. It may require making hard choices, speaking difficult truths, or standing firm in the face of opposition. But when we walk in the Spirit, God empowers us to live with a goodness that is unwavering, courageous, and full of love.

A Life That Points to God

When we reflect the goodness of God, we become a witness to His love and power. People see the difference in how we live, how we treat others, and how we stand firm in truth while extending grace. Our goodness is not about earning favor or recognition, it is about pointing others to the One who is truly good.

As we grow in our faith, may we seek a goodness that is not just seen in what we do but in who we are. A goodness that flows from a heart surrendered to God. A goodness that moves beyond surface-level gestures and reaches deep into the lives of others with truth, love, and righteousness.

May we be people of agathosune, reflecting the goodness of our Savior in all we do.