2026-08-28
Good morning, Dear Ones,
Today, the Holy Spirit directed me to write about goodness. It is the quality of moral virtue, involving generosity and genuine compassion. What is being written here is part of one’s heart attitude. It is certainly the opposite of evil. It includes honesty. When we think of goodness, it is a standard that God has set that He wants us to emulate. If you are wondering why write about this topic, look again at GA 5: 22-23, the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility (gentleness), and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Goodness is a spiritual fruit that one should cultivate in his daily life.
There is nothing new about God’s will for us to incorporate goodness in our lives. PS 23: 6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever,” should be a part of our prayers frequently. Part of goodness is showing mercy and love toward others, even those we perceive as our enemies. This is very much in keeping with Christ’s words in the Sermon on the Mount. MT 5: 44-45a, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Those who profess genuine faith in God want to live in the light by practicing goodness. EPH 5: 9, “For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.”
Goodness is an essential step in spiritual growth. Helping those in need, even if it takes us from what is comfortable, is a good thing for us to do. I was called upon to be on a team of people who were running a 5K and a 10K race to raise funds to help an organization that frees those in sexual bondage. Since I’m partially disabled and can’t run, I was concerned about how God could make me useful. As it turned out, I ended up signing people in for that race and handing out water to the runners. God wasn’t worried at all; He knew I needed to step out of the box and trust in Him. And no, I can’t say that I show goodness all the time; I’m a work in progress. 2 PET 1: 5, “For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness, and to goodness, knowledge.”
Another issue is the example we set for others and the attitude we have toward them. EPH 5:9, “For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” We are encouraged to live in the light. God knows everything we do, and we aren’t always as righteous as we should be. Another part of our spiritual growth is becoming familiar with the Scriptures, so we can know God’s will for us and then, practice it. Whether it takes the form of serving meals to the needy, giving time and attention to a sick friend, or whatever. Being good, gives us an inward calm and joy that can only come from God.
Since God is good and He wants us to emulate Him, then we should be good. It’s as simple as that. When I quoted the Lord Jesus in MT 5: 44-45a above, it isn’t always simple to love one’s enemies, but that is God’s will. If more people were willing to practice goodness, regardless of their religion/culture, or lack thereof, wars could be prevented when there are differences. The issue of our very salvation is at risk when we demonstrate hatred toward those different from ourselves. The bombing and destruction of places holy to others can never be good. Prejudice never helped anyone. 1 PET 3: 14b-17, gives us God’s perspective when others act out of prejudice. “Do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ, may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” Earlier in the same chapter, God tells us, “Do not repay evil with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing…” [1 PET 3: 9].
PRAYER: Dearest Father, today and always, we need to be introspective, and honest with ourselves. We are sinners, far from the perfection of Your Son. Yet, we want to grow spiritually and learn to be more Christlike in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. We are unable to do this without Your help. PS 139: 23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” You are a God, full of love and we acknowledge Your goodness. It is with these thoughts that we pledge our best effort toward actions that are right with You. Praise, honor, and thanksgiving for all You are and all You teach us to do through the Holy Spirit. We pray in the holy/mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: The Holy Spirit commands me to write on kindness next week. Before leaving this week’s topic, I am reminded to acknowledge God’s goodness by citing JAS 1: 17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights.” Let me end with MT 5: 16, “In the same way (that we place lights so they can be seen in our homes) let your light shines before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Praise and thanksgiving be to God!
Grace be with You Always,
Lynn, JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2026. All Rights Reserved.
<-- Back to Archives