What Does It Mean to Be Good?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22

"Wait up!" Jerome called as he ran towards Jake. "I didn't get my homework done. Can I copy yours?"

"Sorry." Jake answered, "That would be cheating."

Later as Jake was going out to recess, he saw Jerome sitting at his desk. Jake ran to talk with his teacher. Minutes later he walked up to Jerome's desk. "Mrs. Snow said I could help you learn your spelling words."

Yesterday Jake showed kindness to Jerome. Today he is showing the fruit of goodness. Goodness is doing what is right. Jake knew it was wrong to help Jerome cheat. He chose to do right. He was being good.

God is the only one who is perfectly good. God wants His children to be like Him. You should do good. The Bible says, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart . . ." (Luke 6:45). When the Holy Spirit is in control, the fruit of goodness will show in your life.

Goodness is more than doing what is right. Goodness is shown in your words and actions. Jake decided to give up his recess and help Jerome. He spoke kind words. Goodness is love in action.

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