Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness (Devotion)

Recently, Sam was given too much change at a convenience store. He immediately handed back the extra money. He did this without thought because it was the right thing to do. A friend who was there taunted him and told him he was stupid for giving away free cash.


Our society is like Sam’s friend. People are often ridiculed for doing the right thing—for being good. Phrases like “Goody Two Shoes” are thrown out as insults. A rat is regarded as a loathsome filthy creature, and yet society uses that animal to describe a person who does right by reporting crime. Even Christians mock other Christians. “He’s just a radical,” we say and discount whatever he’s doing. Have you ever noticed that we disdainfully use the word “radical” to describe anyone who is more committed in their walk than we are?

Truth is none of us are good. Romans 3:12b says, “No one does good, not a single one.” Without the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we would not be capable of good. We want to do what we want to do when we want to do it, and we don’t want anyone making us feel bad about it. So when someone’s actions remind us of our sinfulness, we mock, we demean, we do anything to belittle their actions and make ourselves feel better.

Examine yourself. Number one, think about those Christians you make fun of. Are they truly ‘out there’? Or is something about their walk convicting you? Number two, think over you life. Have you offended anyone with your goodness? If not, you’re doing something wrong. As believers, we’re supposed to be living a life that challenges others. Today make it your goal to be called “Goody Two Shoes.”

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” I Pet 2:9