10 Bible Verses about Going Towards Goodness

As a mental health therapist it is amazing how you can find light and dark metaphors in people's life narratives. There's positive and negative points in everyone's story. I think when you hear about people's hardest points in life so often the moments of goodness or light stand out so starkly different. I find this concept in the Bible beautifully stirring and wanted to do a deeper dive on the word "goodness".

I was not surprised to find that the word is tied to the concept of light and that as Christians we are called to be children of the light: We should truly be the good in the world!

Bible Verses About Goodness

Psalm 23:6 - "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Psalm 31:19 - "How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you."

Psalm 107:9 - "For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."

Psalm 34:8 - "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."

Romans 12:21 - "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Romans 15:14 - "I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another."

2 Thessalonians 1:11 - "With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith."

Ephesians 5:8-9 - "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)."

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

Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Greek Word for "Goodness" in Galatians 5:22

The Greek word used for "goodness" in Galatians 5:22-23 is ἀγαθωσύνη (agathōsynē).

This word refers to moral excellence, uprightness of heart and life, and active kindness toward others. It goes beyond merely being good in character—it emphasizes doing good and expressing goodness through actions and generosity.

The term agathōsynē appears only four times in the New Testament and is closely associated with righteousness and truth, particularly in the context of how believers should live as "children of light" (Ephesians 5:9).

So here's the thing—goodness isn't just a gentle notion we tuck away in our hearts like a pressed flower in an old book. It's meant to be lived, breathed out into the world like the first exhale of spring air. When we embrace agathōsynē—that beautiful, active kindness—we become little lanterns in a world that sometimes feels a bit too shadowy. And isn't that just the most wonderful calling?

To be children of light, sprinkling goodness like confetti, leaving trails of grace wherever our feet happen to wander. May we taste and see His goodness, and may others taste and see it through us too.

Join the Abundantly More Community

Are you longing to go deeper in your faith? To study theology in a way that feels both meaningful and accessible? To be part of a community that celebrates curiosity, kindness, and the beauty of God's Word?

The Abundantly More Community is a space for women who want to dive into Scripture, explore theological concepts, and grow alongside others who are passionate about living as children of light. For just $35 a year, you'll gain access to:

• Monthly theology studies that break down complex concepts into digestible, beautiful lessons

• Exclusive resources including study guides, reflection prompts, and creative exercises

• A supportive community of like-minded women who are on their own journey of faith and growth

• Live Q&A sessions where we can discuss what we're learning and explore questions together

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• Early access to new content, podcasts, and special offerings

This isn't just another membership—it's an invitation to press pause on the noise of the world and lean into the goodness and truth of God's Word. It's a chance to taste and see that the Lord is good, and to do so in the company of others who are seeking the same.

Think of it as your annual investment in spiritual nourishment—less than the cost of a monthly coffee habit, but infinitely more soul-filling. ☕✨

Ready to join us? Let's study, grow, and shine together. Because the world needs more light, and you were made to carry it.

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