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The Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness – Moral Integrity and a Desire to Do What is Right Before God

Goodness is one of those quiet fruits. It doesn’t shout, and it doesn’t seek attention. But when it’s present in someone’s life, you can feel it. It’s the kind of character that’s consistent whether the spotlight is on or not.


As I reflect on my journey, I can say this with confidence: God isn’t just looking for what we do—He’s looking at how we do it and why we do it. Goodness isn’t just about avoiding bad behavior; it’s about a deep, genuine desire to reflect God’s holiness in every part of our lives.

"I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another." – Romans 15:14 (NIV)

That verse has always encouraged me. It’s not a call to perfection, but to consistency of character—being full of goodness not just in public, but in the quiet places of our lives where only God sees.



The Heart Check I Didn’t Know I Needed

In Quieting the Noise, I talk about how easy it is to get caught up in doing good things for the wrong reasons. I was doing everything I had committed to doing—leading ministry efforts, showing up for others—but I wasn’t going the extra mile like I used to. I wasn’t angry or rebellious; I was just tired, uncertain, and, honestly, a little selfish.

I had started cutting back—not just on tasks, but on heart.

Then God reminded me: Goodness isn’t about doing enough. It’s about offering your best, with a pure heart.


That conviction hit deep. It wasn’t about what others could see—it was about the attitude behind my actions. Had I stopped waiting for God’s direction? Had I let discouragement push me into spiritual autopilot?


True Goodness Flows From the Spirit

We can’t fake the fruit of the Spirit. It’s not about appearances; it’s about overflow. True goodness flows from a heart surrendered to God, a life yielded to the Holy Spirit.

When I stopped and asked God to search my heart, I realized I had let a little bitterness in. I was disappointed that I wasn’t hearing clear direction from Him, so I just started doing things in my own strength. But that never lasts. Without the Spirit leading us, even our good deeds can become burdens instead of blessings.


Signs You’re Walking in Goodness

Goodness means living with moral integrity. It means being someone others can trust, someone whose life points to Jesus. Here’s what I’ve learned goodness looks like in everyday life:

  • Honesty when it would be easier to lie

  • Loyalty when it would be easier to walk away

  • Kindness when someone doesn’t deserve it

  • Choosing righteousness when compromise is available

  • Serving without expecting recognition


Goodness isn’t just something we do—it’s who we become as we abide in Christ.


Conviction, Not Condemnation

If you’re reading this and feeling like you’ve fallen short—I get it. I’ve been there. But here’s the beauty of our walk with God: He convicts us to change, not to shame us.

Romans 2:4 reminds us that it’s God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. When He shows us where we’ve drifted, it’s not to condemn—it’s to invite us back into alignment with His heart.


So instead of beating yourself up, just ask: Lord, what would You have me do differently? Where can I be more intentional?


Getting Back to “Good”

When I asked God how to get back to a place of genuine goodness, He reminded me to go back to the basics:

  1. Start with GratitudeRemember what He’s done. Thankfulness softens the heart and realigns our motives.

  2. Seek His Voice DailyDon’t move forward without Him. Pause. Pray. Wait for direction.

  3. Serve with a Pure HeartWhether anyone sees it or not, let your service come from love, not obligation.

  4. Guard Your ThoughtsWhat you think about will eventually show up in your actions. (Philippians 4:8)

  5. Ask for the FruitThe fruit of the Spirit is not earned—it’s produced through surrender. Ask the Holy Spirit to develop goodness in you.


Reflection Questions

  • Are my actions driven by love for God or by obligation?

  • Do I demonstrate goodness when no one is watching?

  • How can I align my intentions more closely with God’s heart?


Final Thoughts

I’m still learning what it means to walk in goodness. But one thing I know for sure: it starts with the heart. When we quiet the distractions, lay down pride, and surrender our motives to God, He meets us there. He begins the refining work—and goodness starts to grow.

📖 If this resonated with you, my book Quieting the Noise: From My Head to My Heart walks through how God shapes our mindset, heals our motives, and produces fruit that honors Him.


 
 
 

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