Fruits of the Spirit: Choosing What Leads To Life

One of my favorite movies is the classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with Gene Wilder as the eccentric Willy Wonka.  

While the movie often veered sharply from Roald Dahl's book, Wilder's performance has remained unmatched in all subsequent remakes.  

There is a moment at the end of the film where Wilder's Wonka rails at Charlie and his Uncle Joe, berating them mercilessly for theft of candy secrets, even though it wasn't true.  

Charlie sadly starts to leave, but then turns and brings back the Everlasting Gobstopper he'd had in his hand, a piece of candy he could have sold to Wonka's competitors.  

Then Wonka says the line, "So shines a good deed in a weary world."  Then he turns and exclaims to Charlie that he'd won the contest and one day would become the owner of the chocolate factory. 

I've always loved that scene, and especially the line Wilder delivered.  That line actually comes from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, and in full it reads like this: 

“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.”

As I think about what goodness means in the context of Paul's fruits of the Spirit in Galatians, I can't help but think of that line, and the implications for acting with goodness in a world that is weary.  

Goodness is often confused with moral perfection, but the fruit of the Spirit points us toward something richer and more relational. 

Biblical goodness is not about flawlessness; it is about alignment with what gives life. The psalmist invites us, “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). Goodness flows from knowing God, not merely obeying rules.

Goodness reflects God’s own character. Throughout Scripture, God’s goodness is described as faithful, sustaining, and generous. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,” Psalm 23 proclaims. Goodness is not fragile; it pursues us even in difficult seasons.

Jesus consistently points people toward goodness that restores rather than condemns. He challenges systems that harm and heals those who suffer. His goodness is not passive—it confronts injustice and invites transformation. Paul encourages believers to cling to what is good, even when evil feels louder (Romans 12:9, 21).

Goodness grows in us as we learn to discern what leads to wholeness—for ourselves, our neighbors, and creation. It requires attentiveness, humility, and courage. Choosing goodness often means resisting convenience or comfort in favor of compassion and integrity.

This fruit develops slowly as we stay rooted in God’s presence. It shapes our decisions, not through fear of failure, but through desire for life-giving choices. Goodness becomes less about avoiding wrong and more about actively participating in God’s healing work.

When goodness is fruit, not performance, it draws others toward hope. It reflects a life formed by grace rather than guilt.

Prayer
Good and gracious God, shape our hearts toward what is life-giving. Help us choose goodness that reflects your love. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. How do you currently define goodness?

2. Where is God inviting you to choose what leads to life?

3. What practices help you stay aligned with God’s goodness?