The fruit of the Spirit · 6 of 9

Greek agathōsynē

Uprightness that acts: a heart set on what is right, doing good to others even when it costs.

“For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;”Ephesians 5:9 (King James Version)

The word

Paul's word is agathōsynē. It appears only four times in the New Testament (Romans 15:14, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 5:9, and 2 Thessalonians 1:11). It means goodness in action: not only being good, but doing good.

God's goodness first

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”Psalm 23:6 (King James Version)

Before goodness is something we do, it is something that follows us. Every good we do flows from the goodness we have already received.

Overcome evil with good

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”Romans 12:21 (King James Version)

Goodness is not passive. It answers harm with good, and it keeps going when it is tired:

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”Galatians 6:9–10 (King James Version)

Three simple practices

1. Do the good you have put off. Choose one good thing you have been meaning to do, and do it this week.
2. Serve your church family. Find one practical way to help your parish or congregation (Galatians 6:10).
3. Answer a wrong with good. When someone treats you badly, return one good act, and pray for them (Romans 12:21).

A closing prayer

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer (1979), the collect for Proper 17.