The Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Goodness
Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, Genesis 50:20, Psalm 34:19
The fruit of goodness, as listed in Galatians 5:22–23, is often misunderstood. Many associate it with being morally upright, generous, or kind. But through a year marked by exhaustion, unanswered prayers, and frustration, Jess shares her understanding of biblical goodness not as moral performance, but as unwavering trust in God’s purposes—even when His plans are hidden and hard.
Jess began her reflection with honesty: her desire to do well in her career, love her family, serve her church, and pursue God was sincere—but it left her spiritually drained. Despite striving to live faithfully, she reached a breaking point and found herself questioning God’s goodness. Why wasn’t He answering her prayers? Why was He silent in the areas that hurt the most—especially her longing to start a family?
This wrestling led to a deeper realization: God’s goodness is not defined by our standards, but by His. 1 Timothy 2:3–4 affirms that God desires all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. In that light, it becomes clear to see that God’s “good” is always aimed at eternal purposes—even when it disrupts our present comfort. Goodness is not the removal of pain but the presence of God in pain, drawing us closer to Him.
Joseph’s (Genesis 37–50) life journey was marked by betrayal, slavery, and unjust suffering. Yet Scripture repeatedly says, “the Lord was with Joseph.” Joseph’s story emphasizes how God sovereignly orchestrated every hardship—not to harm him, but to fulfill a greater purpose: the preservation of His people. As Joseph later said to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
Jess highlights a key definition: Goodness is having the qualities required for a particular role or purpose. From this, she posed the question: What is God preparing you for through your trials? Like Joseph, we may not see the outcome right away, but God is shaping our faith, character, and witness through every hardship. 2 Corinthians 1:9 reinforces this idea: trials teach us to rely not on ourselves, but on “God who raises the dead.”
Though still in the waiting, God has been faithful. A relationship with Him can be deepened through suffering. And like the lyrics of Lauren Daigle’s “Trust in You”, even when God doesn’t part the waters or move the mountains, we can choose to trust Him. God’s goodness is often clearest in hindsight, as we look back and see how each moment—joyful or painful—brought us closer to Him.
The fruit of goodness requires endurance, patience, and faith. It calls us to believe that none of our pain is wasted and that every trial is part of a bigger story. Jess’s testimony reminds us that God not only gives good but works through all things for good—to accomplish His redemptive purposes in our lives and in the lives of others. Like Joseph, we are invited to trust that God's steadfast love is with us in every valley and will never fail to bring His good plans to pass.
Discussion Questions
How have you personally defined “goodness” in the past? How does that definition compare to what Scripture reveals about God's goodness?
What is God preparing you for through your trials? Looking back, have there been any trials you faced and have grown from?
What are some areas of your life you need to surrender in order to fully trust in God’s goodness?
What are any takeaways from the message?
