Christian Healthcare Ministries | Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) speaks of the fruits of the Spirit—goodness being one of them. In today’s language, we use the word “good” so much that it’s almost meaningless. The best Hebrew word we have for goodness is the complex and nuanced word, חֶסֶד (chesed). Goodness is the Holy Spirit’s work in us as we become more Christ-like.

God is goodness

So what does the Bible say about goodness? Each fruit of the Spirit comes from God and God alone. As Jesus said in Mark 10:18 (ESV), “No one is good except God alone.” It’s written in God’s character and translates out to all God’s creation—God is good!

Scripture makes this clear:

• James 1:17 (ESV): “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…”
• Psalm 25:8 (NLT): “The LORD is good and does what is right; He shows the proper path to those who go astray.”
• Psalm 100:4-5 (ESV): “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”

All good things and blessings in this life come straight from God, who is the epitome of goodness. It’s important that we understand this to fully grasp how His goodness relates to us.