Fruits of the Spirit: Goodness

Fruits of the Spirit — a Dock Line poetry series reflecting on Galatians 5:22–23. Part 6 of 9.

In this series, each poem listens for how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control show up in ordinary life—with the Lord interrupting hurry, worry, and noise to speak a quieter word.

I was busy drowning myself in pitiful sorrows
When God showed up
And asked if I’d like to collect myself
And sit up

And open a window

And feel the sunshine on my face

While He told me of His goodness

He said, “my goodness are the senses you feel everyday

That first smell of coffee in the morning
Yes, that’s my goodness

That taste of sweet honey on your lips
Yes, that’s my goodness

The sound of your child’s deep belly laugh
Yes, that’s my goodness

The sight of a small robin early in the morning light
Yes, that’s my goodness

The last hug of the day from a loved one as you drift off to sleep
Yes, that’s my goodness

So, while there is plenty of things to look for
That will bring you great distress
Look, taste, breathe, listen, feel for my goodness
And enter into my world of goodness and rest”

Explore the series: Love · Joy · Peace · Patience · Kindness · Goodness · Faithfulness · Gentleness · Self-Control

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” — Galatians 5:22–23