Goodness
Goodness isn’t simply being “nice” or striving to act kindly on the surface. In the Bible, goodness is a deeper, Spirit-formed expression of who God is — a life increasingly shaped by His truth, mercy, and righteousness.
Biblical goodness shows up in everyday choices, not just grand moments. It’s how we follow Jesus with integrity, compassion, and a desire to live what we believe — especially when doing what’s right costs something.
Self-Reflections
Reflect honestly — not to condemn yourself, but to notice patterns shaping you:
Signs of Growing Goodness May Include:
- Choosing compassion over convenience
- Acting with integrity when no one is watching
- Choosing mercy, justice, and generosity
- Bringing healing and encouragement into real relationships
Goodness May Be Strained When:
- Kindness becomes conditional or transactional
- Good intentions fade under pressure
- Integrity is compromised for comfort
Goodness is Often Counterfeited By:
- External compliance without inward empathy
- Politeness that masks indifference
- Reputation-building rather than heart transformation
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
— PSALM 23:6
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
— GALATIANS 6:9
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
— EPHESIANS 2:10
I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.
— ROMANS 15:14
For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.
— HEBREWS 6:4-6
What Often Undermines Goodness
What God Often Uses to Form Goodness
Resources to Help With Goodness
Goodness, Faithfulness
This Tim Keller message explores how goodness and faithfulness are deeply connected expressions of a truth-centered, integrated life in Christ,…
Goodness
A Tim Keller message from the Fruit of the Spirit series that explores how the Holy Spirit shapes goodness in…
Goodness and Me
An article reflecting on the goodness of God — both as a divine attribute and a difficult reality to grasp…
A focused Bible study that unpacks the biblical meaning of goodness, tracing its roots in creation, the Greek word agathosune,…
A comprehensive article describing all nine fruits of the Spirit, including goodness, and explaining how these qualities reflect God’s character…
We Saved A Seat For You
Church doesn’t have to be intimidating. At Sonrise, you can show up as you are, connect with people who get you, and leave knowing it was worth it. Our campus is located right where Santee, Lakeside and El Cajon come together. Join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:40 by visiting us at 8805 Magnolia Ave. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll be here.
Sonrise Church
Service Times:
- Sunday : 9:00 AM (1st Service)
- Sunday : 10:40 AM (2nd Service)