“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”          Galatians 5:22-23

This week we are going to talk about the sixth “fruit of the spirit” – goodness. Remember that the fruits of the spirit are character traits that help us to become more like Jesus. Goodness is more than just being “good”. Goodness is reflecting God’s goodness for others just like a mirror reflects light.

If you hold a mirror in the sunshine, you can tilt the mirror to catch the light and reflect it in another direction. (But don’t shine it in someone’s eyes! It’s too bright!) You can see the small shape of light from the mirror. (I reflected mine on the side of the house.) Just like your mirror reflected the light of the sun, you can reflect the goodness of God on others like Jesus did.

Jesus said in Mark 10:18, “No one is good but One, that is, God.” So, when Jesus performed His miracles, and taught in the temple, and helped people, He was reflecting the goodness of God for everyone to see. And as we try to become like Jesus, we want do things for others so that we can reflect the goodness of God, too!

Reflecting God’s Goodness Like Jesus

Jesus fed the hungry.

Maybe I can give boxes of my favorite mac & cheese to our food bank, or help my mom fix a meal for someone who is hungry.

Jesus cared for the sick.

Maybe I can bring flowers to our neighbor just home from the hospital or I can make cards for people at the nursing home.

Jesus taught in the temple.

Maybe I can share my favorite Bible verse with my Sunday school, or I can invite my friends to come to church with me.

Jesus listened to people.

Maybe I can spend some time with Jenna because she’s worried her mom is sick, or I can talk with Jeff at lunch because he always sits by himself.

Jesus prayed for others.

Maybe I can pray for my friends and family, and I can pray, “Thank you, Jesus, for helping me to become more like you and reflect the goodness of God!”

This week talk with your parents and decide on something you can do for someone else to reflect God’s goodness like Jesus did. Then do it!

I will pray for each one of you to become shining examples of God’s goodness to others! And remember that this Thursday is Valentine’s Day! You can shine God’s love for people, too!