Today’s “fruit” sounds nearly generic.

“Goodness,” wrote the Apostle Paul, is one of the Traits of Almighty God!

Here is the list as it has developed so far: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, (and now today) GOODNESS …” Galatians 5:22

Its parent word, the Greek noun “agathosune,” is only used 4 times in all the New Testament, as a NOUN mind you. But as an adjective, I count 102 more times! 

Paul was thrilled that the Christians in Rome were “full of goodness.” Romans 15:14, using our very word today, “agathosune.” (Being “full of the Spirit” then implies being “full of this kind of goodness!”)

Then in Ephesians 5:9-10 (Paul’s abbreviated list of the “fruit of the Spirit”) the word once again appears. “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all GOODNESS and righteousness and truth; proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” 

And here’s what I consider a key verse about “goodness,” 2 Thessalonians 1:11, where “goodness” is simply one of God’s Attributes … shared with mankind, with people who have trusted Jesus specifically. “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 (God’s) GOODNESS, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you ….” 

Now that we have seen how the Holy Spirit (the True Author of Scripture) uses this little noun, we can maybe define it more clearly.

One scholar does so this way: “Goodness is that magnanimous generosity in an individual which issues in his or her GOING BEYOND what is merely required by community standards.” 

Doing MORE than is asked or expected!

Another Greek teacher suggests that “gentleness” and “goodness” (both in our “Fruit” List) are closely related. But that “goodness” is far more outward in its reach, in its activity! Often fervent activity at that!

One might say that “goodness” is “kindness” on steroids!

Going the second mile!

“Good Samaritan” (I know that sounds redundant) goodness, perhaps! That which keeps on doing and doing! Helping and helping!

Wow!

Now to apply, do YOU know anyone today to whom you can “be good?”

Who might be encouraged by the “kindness in action” (in abundant plentitude) the Holy Spirit is “growing” in you as a born-again Christian?

If so, you now know what “to do.”

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Oh, may we all (in the sense of today’s Lesson, today’s “word”) BE GOOD!