23 Bible Verses about Goodness

The world can sometimes seem like a dark and challenging place, but throughout history, there have been moments that shine a light on the unwavering presence of God's goodness. Ruth was a Moabite woman who demonstrated extraordinary loyalty, kindness, and selflessness. Ruth's unwavering devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of her husband, epitomizes the goodness that God seeks in his people. Through her commitment and virtuous actions, Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David, one of the most celebrated figures in the Bible.

The theme of goodness resonates throughout the Bible, serving as a guiding light for all who seek to follow the path of righteousness. These Bible verses about goodness encourage us to reflect the goodness of God in our relationship with others.

God's Goodness

Psalm 34:8

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."

Nahum 1:7

"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."

Psalm 100:5

"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Psalm 145:9

"The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."

Goodness in Our Actions

Ephesians 2:10

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Hebrews 13:16

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

1 Peter 3:11

"They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it."

James 3:13

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."

Goodness as a Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23

"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."

Ephesians 5:9

"For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth."

2 Peter 1:5-7

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love."

Goodness in Relationships

Romans 12:10

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

Colossians 3:12-14

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."

Proverbs 17:17

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

Goodness in the Face of Adversity

Romans 12:21

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

1 Peter 3:9

"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."

James 1:2-3

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

1 Peter 3:14

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.'"

The Ultimate Goodness in Jesus Christ

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

John 15:13

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

1 John 3:16

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."

Philippians 2:5-8

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"

A Prayer for Goodness

Heavenly Father,

Thank You, Lord, for Your immeasurable goodness, Your unfailing love, and Your boundless grace. I stand in awe of Your mighty works and the beautiful world You have created for us to dwell in.

I confess that I have fallen short of Your glory. I have not always walked in Your ways, and at times, I have allowed my sin to overshadow Your goodness within me. Please forgive me, Lord, for my shortcomings and help me to turn away from the paths that lead me astray.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in Your truth. Let Your goodness shine through me. Help me to be a reflection of Your love, grace, and mercy to those around me. Teach me to walk humbly, act justly, and love unconditionally, following the example of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

May my life be a testament to Your goodness, and may I be a vessel through which You bless others. Grant me the wisdom and strength to follow Your will and to radiate Your light in this world.

In the precious name of Jesus, I pray,

Amen.