Goodness That Leads, Goodness That Grows: Living the Goodness of God

Fruitful and Faithful: Living the Goodness of God

In the Bible, goodness is far more than just a moral trait – it is an attribute of God Himself and a hallmark of a Spirit-led life.

From the Old Testament revelations of God’s benevolent character to the New Testament exhortations for believers to bear the “fruit of the Spirit,” goodness weaves a rich theological tapestry.

This report will explore

• the goodness of God
• goodness as a fruit of the Spirit
• key Hebrew and Greek words for “goodness”
• practical applications and results of goodness
• interwoven scriptural themes.

Grounded primarily in a curated list of KJV verses, we seek a clear, devotional, and academically informed understanding of goodness in Scripture.

1. The Goodness of God

“The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6, KJV).

The Bible emphatically declares that God is good in His very nature. When Moses pleaded to see God’s glory, God responded,

“I will make all my goodness pass before thee” (Exodus 33:19 "I will cause all My goodness to pass before you," the LORD replied, "and I will proclaim My name--the LORD--in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.") – revealing His glory through His goodness.

God’s goodness denotes His benevolence, kindness, and generosity in action. It is who He is (“abundant in goodness”), and it is displayed in what He does.

The psalmists repeatedly exalt this attribute: “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee” (PSALMS 31:19 KJV "Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought...").

They celebrate God’s acts of goodness in creation, providence, and redemption –

“the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD” (Psalm 33:5) and “He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (PSALMS 107:8 KJV "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!").

God’s goodness is often paired with His mercy, love, and righteousness, showing a harmonious character.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6) (PSALMS 23:6 KJV "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.")

This verse expresses the believer’s confidence that God’s covenant love (mercy) pursues us, as does His goodness – His blessings and care.

Indeed, “the LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works” (Psalm 145:9) and “They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness” (PSALMS 145:7 KJV "They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.").

Here God’s goodness is linked with righteousness and mercy, affirming that His goodness is not a soft indulgence but a holy benevolence. God’s goodness leads Him to forgive, to bless, and to ultimately provide salvation for sinners.

Notably, God’s Goodness Leads To Repentance.

The Apostle Paul asks: “Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (ROMANS 2:4 KJV "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the...").

God’s patient kindness – His riches of goodness – is meant to draw our hearts to turn from sin. Rather than immediately judging sin, God often shows benevolence and delay of wrath so that people have the opportunity to repent.

However, God’s goodness should never be taken for granted.

Paul warns that if we scorn God’s goodness and remain unrepentant, we “treasure up wrath” for ourselves (Rom 2:5).

Goodness is linked to God’s justice: “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God” (Romans 11:22) (ROMANS 11:22 KJV "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness,...").

God is good and generous to those who continue in faith, but He is also just (severe) against persistent unbelief.

In context, Israel experienced God’s goodness in being chosen, yet when they fell into unbelief, they faced His severity; Gentile believers now stand only by God’s goodness and must not boast (ROMANS 11:22 KJV "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness,...").

Thus, God’s goodness is patient and generous, but also morally serious – it never contradicts His holiness.

Scripture Shows God’s Goodness in Tangible Ways.

He rescues His people (as in the Exodus), provides for needs, forgives sins, and keeps His promises. “The LORD hath showed me His marvelous kindness” (Psalm 31:21)

...and “Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works” (Psalm 107:8) (PSALMS 107:8 KJV "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!") are refrains of gratitude.

Even in discipline or trials, believers affirm “the LORD is good” (Nahum 1:7). In summary, the goodness of God is a foundational truth: God is the source of all goodness, and every good gift comes from Him (The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is goodness? | GotQuestions.org).

His goodness is active, abundant, and life-giving – ultimately demonstrated in the giving of His Son for our salvation (John 3:16, the ultimate act of divine goodness). Knowing God’s goodness leads us to trust Him, repent of sin, and live in grateful obedience.

2. Goodness as a Fruit of the Spirit

Believers are called not only to praise God’s goodness but also to reflect His goodness in our own lives. In the New Testament, goodness (as a moral quality) is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work in a Christian.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22–23, KJV) (GALATIANS 5:22 KJV "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,").

Similarly, “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9) (EPHESIANS 5:9 KJV "(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)").

Here, goodness (along with virtues like love and faith) is portrayed as evidence of a transformed life. Just as a healthy tree bears good fruit, a life indwelt by the Holy Spirit will bear the fruit of goodness.

What Does It Mean for a Believer to Manifest Goodness?

In practical terms, goodness is holiness in action (The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is goodness? | GotQuestions.org).

It is doing what is right and beneficial in the sight of God, springing from a heart made righteous by Christ.

One Bible definition of the Greek term for this virtue, ἀγαθωσύνη (agathōsúnē), is “uprightness of heart and life” (Strong's Greek: 19. ἀγαθωσύνη (agathosune) -- Goodness).

This implies integrity, moral virtue, and a life consistently reflecting God’s standards.

Goodness, as a fruit of the Spirit, is not mere human niceness; it is a supernaturally enabled character trait that seeks to benefit others and honor God.

A person full of goodness will “selflessly act on behalf of others” (The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is goodness? | GotQuestions.org) – showing generosity, courtesy, honesty, and compassion in concrete ways.

For example, confronting someone’s sin in love can be an act of goodness (seeking their ultimate good), just as much as giving to the poor or helping someone in need (The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is goodness? | GotQuestions.org).

It Is Important to See Goodness Alongside “Gentleness” or “Kindness.”

In Galatians 5:22, the KJV term “gentleness” corresponds to the Greek χρηστότης (chrēstótēs), often translated kindness. Goodness and kindness are closely related and both are aspects of the Spirit’s fruit.

Kindness (chrēstótēs) usually refers to a gentle, gracious disposition – the softer side of love – whereas goodness (agathōsúnē) can include not only kindness but also zeal for truth and righteousness.

Some have noted that agathōsúnē may even include correcting or disciplining when needed for another’s good (Strong's Greek: 19. ἀγαθωσύνη (agathosune) -- Goodness) (Strong's Greek: 5544. χρηστότης (chréstotés) -- Kindness, goodness, gentleness), while chrēstótēs is always benevolence tempered with gentleness (Strong's Greek: 5544. χρηστότης (chréstotés) -- Kindness, goodness, gentleness).

Jesus exemplified both – showing kindness to the weary and downtrodden, but also goodness in cleansing the temple or rebuking hypocrisy (actions driven by righteousness).

In our lives, the Holy Spirit cultivates a balance of kindness and goodness, so that our love has both tenderness and principle.

Importantly, Goodness Is Produced by the Spirit, Not by Our Flesh.

We cannot manufacture true godly goodness by sheer willpower. It grows out of our new nature in Christ as we yield to the Spirit. Jesus taught, “I am the vine, ye are the branches… he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit” (John 15:5).

Thus, to cultivate goodness, a believer should stay connected to Christ through prayer, Scripture, and obedience, allowing the Spirit to work.

As James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good gift… is from above” (The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is goodness? | GotQuestions.org) – any genuine goodness in us is a gift of God’s grace.

Yet we are also called to actively pursue goodness: “abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Romans 12:9) and “do good unto all men” (Galatians 6:10).

By walking in the Spirit (Gal 5:25) and practicing obedience, we “add to [our] faith virtue” (virtue here can be understood as moral excellence or goodness – 2 Peter 1:5).

In doing so, we cooperate with the Holy Spirit in displaying the beautiful character of Christ. Goodness will work alongside other fruit like love (the motive of goodness), faith (trusting God to enable our good works), and self-control (saying no to selfish impulses so we can do good).

It impacts our relationships (prompting kindness, forgiveness, and honesty) and our general conduct (leading us to acts of service and generosity).

In essence, when Scripture speaks of “walking as children of light” (Eph 5:8), it means living out goodness, righteousness, and truth by the Spirit’s power (EPHESIANS 5:9 KJV "(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)").

3. Biblical Word Studies: “Goodness” in Hebrew and Greek

A richer understanding of goodness comes from examining the original biblical words. In the Old Testament, the primary Hebrew word for goodness is טוּב (ṭûb, Strong’s H2898).

This noun, tub, conveys goodness, good things, prosperity, or welfare (Strong's Hebrew: 2898. טוּב (tub) -- Goodness, good things, prosperity, welfare). It comes from a verb meaning “to be good” or “to do good.”

The Term ṭûB Is Used of God’s Goodness and the Goodness of His Gifts.

For example, when Moses says “shew me thy glory,” God replies, “I will make all my goodness pass before thee” (Exodus 33:19 "I will cause all My goodness to pass before you," the LORD replied, "and I will proclaim My name--the LORD--in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.") – here ṭûb refers to God’s glory manifested as benevolence.

The Old Testament often uses ṭûb to describe the blessings and benefits God gives to His people, almost as a tangible thing.

Psalm 31:19 (quoted earlier) praises God’s ṭûb laid up for those who fear Him, and Jeremiah 31:14 records God’s promise, “My people shall be satisfied with My goodness” (i.e. the abundance of His provision).

According to scholars, ṭûb can denote both moral goodness and material goodness (good things) (Strong's Hebrew: 2898. טוּב (tub) -- Goodness, good things, prosperity, welfare).

It is a broad term: “good” in the widest sense, including beauty, joy, prosperity, and well-being (STRONGS NUMBER H2898 - King James Bible).

Notably, ṭûb appears in expressions like “the good land” (e.g. Deut. 1:25) or “the good things” of a land (Strong's Hebrew: 2898. טוּב (tub) -- Goodness, good things, prosperity, welfare), indicating bounty. But it also refers to goodness of character, especially God’s.

Exodus 34:6 (God “abundant in goodness”) uses a related form. Thus, in Hebrew thought, goodness encompasses both the character of being good and the experience of blessings and happiness that come from God’s favor (Strong's Hebrew: 2898. טוּב (tub) -- Goodness, good things, prosperity, welfare).

The Hebrews saw all good things as flowing from the goodness of the Lord. In summary, ṭûb highlights that God’s goodness is generous – it gives good gifts – and it is morally excellent – inherently good.

In the New Testament, two Greek words deserve attention: ἀγαθωσύνη (agathōsúnē, Strong’s G19) and χρηστότης (chrēstótēs, Strong’s G5544).

Both are often translated “goodness” or “kindness,” but with nuanced differences.

Agathōsúnē (ἀγαθωσύνη)

This word is relatively rare, found only in the New Testament (and later Christian writings).

It appears in Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 5:9, Romans 15:14, and 2 Thessalonians 1:11 (Strong's Greek: 19. ἀγαθωσύνη (agathosune) -- Goodness). Agathōsúnē is defined as “goodness; intrinsic goodness or uprightness of heart and life” (Strong's Greek: 19. ἀγαθωσύνη (agathosune) -- Goodness).

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes it as “virtue or beneficence.” It indicates an active goodness – virtue energized, doing good to others. One lexicon notes that agathōsúnē “is goodness for the benefit of others, not simply for the sake of being virtuous” (The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is goodness? | GotQuestions.org).

It is a disposition to do what is right and helpful, a moral excellence that expresses itself in action.

For instance, when Paul is “persuaded” that Roman believers are “full of goodness” (ROMANS 15:14 KJV "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all..."), he implies they have a Christian character marked by virtue and kindness, enabling them to admonish one another constructively.

Agathōsúnē is a Spirit-produced quality; as mentioned, it’s a fruit of the Spirit, indicating it grows from our new nature (not from the flesh).

Interestingly, some commentators contrast it with chrēstótēs by saying agathōsúnē might, in love, rebuke or discipline if necessary for good (Strong's Greek: 19. ἀγαθωσύνη (agathosune) -- Goodness).

It is an aggressive goodness – zealous to do good and to correct wrong. Jesus cleansing the temple could be seen as proceeding from agathōsúnē – zeal for God’s honor and others’ purity.

In everyday terms, agathōsúnē in us means integrity, generosity, and a zeal for truth that seeks others’ welfare.

Chrēstótēs (χρηστότης)

This term is more commonly translated “kindness” or “gentleness.” It appears in places like Romans 2:4 and 11:22 (of God’s “goodness” toward us) (ROMANS 2:4 KJV "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the...") (ROMANS 11:22 KJV "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness,..."), and in Galatians 5:22 (as “gentleness” in KJV, often “kindness” in modern versions).

Chrēstótēs means “useful kindness”, a gracious disposition that meets real needs (Strong's Greek: 5544. χρηστότης (chréstotés) -- Kindness, goodness, gentleness).

It is defined as “goodness, kindness, uprightness” (Strong's Greek: 5544. χρηστότης (chréstotés) -- Kindness, goodness, gentleness) (Strong's Greek: 5544. χρηστότης (chréstotés) -- Kindness, goodness, gentleness) – especially kindness in action.

When Scripture says “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance” (ROMANS 2:4 KJV "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the..."), the Greek word is chrēstótēs.

It portrays God’s kind benevolence – His merciful kindness in giving rain to the just and unjust, providing food and gladness (Acts 14:17), withholding immediate judgment, and ultimately giving Christ for salvation.

Chrēstótēs is *God’s kindness that invites and woos the sinner. For believers, chrēstótēs is that Spirit-wrought kindness that makes us tender, compassionate, and approachable.

One could say chrēstótēs is goodness in gentle mode, whereas agathōsúnē can be goodness in action mode. They overlap significantly (indeed, sometimes the words are used almost interchangeably), but the nuance is worth noting: both should be present in a Christlike character.

We are to have chrēstótēs – a kind, gracious spirit (as in Ephesians 4:32, “be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted…”) – and agathōsúnē – a moral earnestness to do good and confront evil.

Both words affirm that goodness in the biblical sense is active and others-focused. It is not a passive attribute; it does something.

As one reference says, chrēstótēs is “useful kindness”, meeting needs in God’s way and timing (Strong's Greek: 5544. χρηστότης (chréstotés) -- Kindness, goodness, gentleness).

And agathōsúnē is “virtue equipped for action”, showing itself in “spiritual, moral excellence” (Strong's Greek: 19. ἀγαθωσύνη (agathosune) -- Goodness).

In summary, the biblical languages show that goodness (ṭûb, agathōsúnē, chrēstótēs) carries the ideas of virtue, kindness, generosity, and beneficial action.

It is an attribute of God that encompasses both His righteous nature and His kind actions, and it is a virtue expected in His people, enabled by His Spirit.

The word study confirms that goodness is not abstract – it manifests in tangible deeds and attitudes consistent with God’s character. It involves both heart (uprightness, integrity) and hand (helpful, generous deeds).

4. Applications and Results of Goodness in a Believer’s Life

Living out “goodness” means actively reflecting God’s character through kind and righteous actions toward others.

When the Holy Spirit cultivates goodness in a believer, it produces practical outcomes both personally and in community.

Personal transformation is one result: we become more like Christ.

Our habits and choices begin to align with God’s will – we “cleave to that which is good” (Rom 12:9) and shun evil.

This transformation is often gradual but visible. For example, where once there was selfishness or harshness, the Spirit-grown goodness makes us more generous and considerate (The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is goodness? | GotQuestions.org).

A person growing in goodness will find themselves caring about others’ wellbeing and moral good. They will be honest, because goodness hates deceit; they will be generous with time and resources, because goodness loves to give.

This inward change is a testimony of salvation’s reality – others “see your good works” and glorify God (The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is goodness? | GotQuestions.org).

Indeed, Jesus said that our light should shine in such a way that people observe our good works and thus recognize the Father’s glory (Matthew 5:16). Goodness validates our faith by demonstrating the love and holiness of God through our actions.

In community, goodness yields rich fruit as well.

A church filled with people “full of goodness” (ROMANS 15:14 KJV "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all...") will be marked by acts of service, sacrificial giving, and mutual edification.

Believers “able to admonish one another” in love (Rom 15:14) are exhibiting goodness – using truth to build each other up. Goodness in a congregational setting might look like caring for the poor, volunteering, showing hospitality, forgiving one another, and standing up for justice and truth.

It creates a culture where needs are met and sins can be gently corrected in love.

Goodness also plays a role in our witness to the world: our kind deeds and moral integrity adorn the gospel and make it attractive (Titus 2:10 speaks of adorning the doctrine of God by our behavior).

Many have been won to Christ by seeing the goodness of God through the goodness of God’s people, whether through charitable works or simply the evident purity and kindness in a Christian’s life.

Cultivating such goodness requires continuance in God’s goodness.

Romans 11:22 urged believers to continue in God’s goodness – meaning to persist in faith and in the sphere of His grace – lest they fall.

While the immediate context is about groups (Gentiles not becoming proud as Israel fell), there is an implicit warning for individuals as well: failing to abide in God’s goodness has consequences (ROMANS 11:22 KJV "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness,...").

If someone were to profess faith but then depart from living in God’s grace – turning back to evil or unbelief – they step out of the place of blessing and face God’s discipline or judgment.

In practical terms, a Christian who does not “continue in goodness” might lose their testimony, cause harm in the church, or invite God’s corrective hand. Goodness, once begun, must be persevered in.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us “let us not be weary in well-doing” – implying that continuing in goodness can be tiring but brings reward in due season.

We should persist in doing good even when unappreciated or when evil seems to prosper, trusting that God honors faithfulness.

Conversely, a lack of goodness (e.g., a life of ongoing selfishness, cruelty, or corruption) not only harms others but also indicates a spiritual problem that can lead to serious consequences (as Romans 2:5-8 describes for the unrepentant).

The exercise of goodness leads to spiritual fruitfulness and assurance.

Jesus said that every branch in Him that bears fruit, the Father prunes so it will bear more fruit (John 15:2). As we practice goodness, we often find God entrusts us with more opportunities to do good.

Goodness can be “contagious”: one act of goodness can inspire others to do the same, multiplying its effect. It also gives evidence of our faith, providing us with assurance that Christ is at work in us.

1 John 3:18-19 tells us to love in deed and truth, and “hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.”

Seeing God’s goodness flow through us reassures us that our faith is genuine. It also “stores up treasure in heaven” as Jesus taught (Matthew 6:20).

On a personal level, living out goodness brings joy and growth.

There is a deep satisfaction in being used by God to bless others – a fulfillment that selfish living cannot match. Proverbs 11:25 says, “a good (generous) man prospers, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

By doing good we often find our own souls refreshed and strengthened.

Goodness also guards us: “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14) is both a command and a safeguard – a life of doing good keeps us away from many pitfalls of sin.

In summary, the application of goodness means actively doing what pleases God and benefits others – through the Spirit’s power – in everyday life.

It results in transformed character, a powerful witness, edification of the church, and glory to God.

Failing to walk in goodness, on the other hand, can lead to personal stagnation, divine discipline, or even being “cut off” from current blessing (as a branch that bears no fruit).

The stakes are high, which is why Scripture urges us repeatedly to do good, be rich in good works, and not grow weary.

Thankfully, we are not left to ourselves – the “good pleasure of [God’s] goodness” is at work in us, as Paul prayed “that our God would…fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power” (2 Thessalonians 1:11) (2 THESSALONIANS 1:11 KJV "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil...").

God’s own goodness energizes and completes the goodness in our lives.

5. Scriptural Connections and Themes on Goodness

The theme of goodness spans Scripture, creating rich connections between passages and deepening our theological understanding. One prominent connection is between God’s revealed goodness in the Old Testament and the call for repentance in the New Testament.

For instance, God’s proclamation of His goodness to Moses (“I will make all My goodness pass before thee” (Exodus 33:19 "I will cause all My goodness to pass before you," the LORD replied, "and I will proclaim My name--the LORD--in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.")) is foundational – it shows that at the heart of God’s glory is goodness.

This revelation is echoed throughout the Old Testament in praises and thanksgivings (e.g. “The LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting” – Psalm 100:5).

When we come to the New Testament, Paul builds on this: because God is so good, patient, and kind, no one should presume upon that kindness – rather, His goodness *“leadeth thee to repentance” (ROMANS 2:4 KJV "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the...").

The OT and NT agree: God’s goodness is meant to elicit trust, worship, and a turning from sin to Him.

The literary thread runs from Exodus (God’s goodness proclaimed), through the Psalms (God’s goodness celebrated as our refuge and blessing), to Romans (God’s goodness urging us to salvation).

It’s a beautiful continuity showing God’s character does not change – the God of Israel, who was “ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness” (Nehemiah 9:17), is the same God who “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16).

Another connection is how God’s goodness is frequently coupled with other attributes across Scripture, teaching us that true goodness is never isolated.

In Exodus 34:6–7, God’s “abundant goodness” stands alongside His mercy, truth, and justice – He keeps mercy for thousands but will by no means clear the guilty (EXODUS 34:6 KJV "And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering,...").

In Psalm 23:6, goodness is paired with mercy. In Psalm 145:7–8, His “great goodness” is mentioned and immediately it says, “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion… of great mercy”.

In the New Testament, we see a similar pairing: “Behold the goodness and severity of God” (ROMANS 11:22 KJV "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness,...").

Theologically, this tells us that God’s goodness is holy – it never compromises righteousness. And His severity or judgment is never cruel – it is in response to the rejection of His offered goodness.

This interplay prevents us from misunderstanding goodness as mere leniency. Instead, goodness is an expression of holy love.

The consistent theme is that God’s goodness offers grace, while His justice eventually deals with those who spurn that grace.

That pattern is evident from Genesis (God’s goodness provided Eden’s bounty; His justice expelled Adam and Eve when they sinned, yet even then His goodness promised a Redeemer) to Revelation (God’s goodness offers the water of life freely, but His justice will finally judge evil).

We also see intertextual links where phrases about goodness recur in multiple books, creating a thread of meditation.

The refrain “Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men” appears four times in Psalm 107 (PSALMS 107:8 KJV "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!").

This refrain not only summarizes Israel’s experience in that psalm but echoes Israel’s history of God’s repeated deliverances despite their failures.

When we then read in the New Testament about God’s goodness leading to repentance (Rom 2:4), we can’t help but think of Israel’s cycle: God’s goodness rescued them time and again (as Psalm 107 illustrates), which should have led them to lasting repentance and faithfulness.

Sadly, Israel often forgot God’s goodness, fell into sin, and needed rescue again – a cycle Paul warns his readers not to repeat.

Thus, the literary motif of praising God’s goodness in the OT becomes a didactic lesson in the NT: don’t take God’s goodness lightly.

Paul explicitly cites an OT psalm in Romans 3: “There is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Rom 3:12), quoting Psalm 14:3 (Strong's Greek: 5544. χρηστότης (chréstotés) -- Kindness, goodness, gentleness) to establish universal sinfulness – highlighting by contrast the extraordinary goodness of God in offering us salvation.

Another theme is that God’s goodness is “stored up” or promised for the future, drawing a line from present faithfulness to future hope.

Psalm 31:19 spoke of goodness “laid up” for those who fear Him (PSALMS 31:19 KJV "Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought..."), and how they will “see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13) (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT GOODNESS).

This connects to the New Testament promise of believers partaking in God’s glory.

Ultimately, God’s goodness to us will culminate in eternity – “Surely… I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6) (PSALMS 23:6 KJV "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.").

The goodness and mercy following us now will lead us to God’s presence, where “in His presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11) – the consummation of His goodness.

The Bible’s storyline can be viewed as creation suffused with God’s goodness, the fall being a turning from God’s goodness, redemption as the restoration of goodness through Christ (the Good Shepherd, the “good news”), and consummation as the unhindered experience of God’s goodness forever.

Theologically, God’s goodness is a motive in salvation history: “For God so loved (had such goodness toward) the world that He gave His Son”.

Titus 3:4 says, “after that the kindness (chrēstótēs) and love of God our Savior toward man appeared…”, referring to Jesus’ coming (What does 2 Thessalonians 1:11 mean? - BibleRef.com).

So Jesus Christ is the ultimate manifestation of the goodness and kindness of God. All Scripture, pointing to Him, reinforces that theme.

Finally, there is a practical thread: those who belong to God are to emulate His goodness, or else be disciplined.

This is clear in passages like Romans 11:22 (continue in His goodness or be cut off) (ROMANS 11:22 KJV "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness,...") which echoes Jesus’ teaching in John 15 about branches that bear no fruit being cut away.

It also harkens back to the prophets: for example, Hosea 3:5 prophesied that in the latter days the children of Israel “shall fear the LORD and His goodness.”

This is a fascinating phrase – fearing His goodness – implying a reverential response to God’s mercy.

Paul may be alluding to such concepts when he urges Gentile believers to humility, seeing the fallen state of Israel: “thou standest by faith, be not highminded, but fear” (Rom 11:20) (ROMANS 11:22 KJV "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness,...").

In other words, fear offending the very goodness that has saved you. We see across Scripture that when people respond rightly to God’s goodness (with repentance, faith, obedience), goodness multiplies in their lives.

When they spurn His goodness, judgment comes – not because God isn’t good, but because spurned goodness, in God’s justice, turns into righteous wrath. This sobering theme invites us to continuously respond to God’s goodness with gratitude and holiness.

Conclusion:

From Genesis to Revelation, goodness is a radiant thread revealing who God is and what He desires for His creation. “Good and upright is the LORD” and therefore He teaches sinners the way (Psalm 25:8).

Those who receive His goodness are transformed by it – called to “be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

In summary, we learned that the goodness of God is foundational and leads us to repentance and worship (ROMANS 2:4 KJV "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the...");

goodness in us is a fruit of the Spirit that reflects God’s love in action (GALATIANS 5:22 KJV "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,");

the biblical words for goodness encompass kindness, virtue, and generous action (Strong's Greek: 19. ἀγαθωσύνη (agathosune) -- Goodness) (Strong's Greek: 5544. χρηστότης (chréstotés) -- Kindness, goodness, gentleness);

living out goodness yields personal and communal blessing, while neglecting it brings loss (ROMANS 11:22 KJV "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness,..."); and Scripture as a whole ties together God’s goodness, our response, and His redemptive plan in a beautiful tapestry.

May we, encouraged by these truths, “give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good” and “show out of a good conversation (conduct) [our] works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13) (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT GOODNESS).

In doing so, we both honor the God of all goodness and become instruments of His goodness in a world that desperately needs it.

Sources: Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV). Relevant verses and lexicon insights have been cited inline, for example from Exodus (EXODUS 34:6 KJV "And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering,..."), Psalms (PSALMS 31:19 KJV "Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought...") (PSALMS 145:7 KJV "They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness."), Romans (ROMANS 2:4 KJV "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the...") (ROMANS 11:22 KJV "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness,..."), Galatians (GALATIANS 5:22 KJV "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,"), Ephesians (EPHESIANS 5:9 KJV "(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)"), and standard Greek/Hebrew lexicons (Strong's Greek: 19. ἀγαθωσύνη (agathosune) -- Goodness) (Strong's Hebrew: 2898. טוּב (tub) -- Goodness, good things, prosperity, welfare). These illustrate and support the points discussed, demonstrating the depth and consistency of the biblical teaching on goodness.