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

(2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

(Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

(2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

(Philippians 2:12 NIV) …continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

1.   Goodness Happens in Relationships.

(Ecclesiastes 4:8-9 NIV) There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless—a miserable business! 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

2.   Goodness Grows Through Honesty.

(Psalm 51:1-2 NIV) Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

(1 John 1:9 NIV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

(James 5:16 NIV) Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

3.   Goodness Grows Through the Work of the Holy Spirit.

(Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

• Holy Spirit, Show Me. 

(Psalm 139:23 NIV) Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

• Holy Spirit, Change Me.

(2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV) And we all…are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

• Holy Spirit, Fill Me.

(Ephesians 5:18 NIV) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,