3 Bible Tips: The Fruit of Goodness—Do Good, Be Good
1. Humans are not naturally good, which is why we need the antidote of God's Holy Spirit.
"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21).
2. Do good to everyone, not just those who will repay you with favors.
"But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you... But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same" (Luke 6:27-28, 32-33).
3. God will reward us if we persevere in doing good to others.
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith [fellow believers]" (Galatians 6:9-10, emphasis added).
To learn much more about the spiritual fruit of goodness, see "Goodness: God's Character and Man's Potential."