Item 6 in Fruit of the Spirit

Goodness

Choose conduct directed toward genuine benefit rather than appearance.

Position
6
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Christian communities
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Goodness

Source wording

Choose conduct directed toward genuine benefit rather than appearance.

Translation

Broader interpretation

Choose conduct directed toward genuine benefit rather than appearance.

Practical meaning

Choose conduct directed toward genuine benefit rather than appearance.

Ethical purpose

This principle is intended to guide conduct, character and relationships in accordance with the parent framework.

Variations across schools or traditions

Interpretation and application may vary across communities, translations and individual circumstances.

Criticism and difficult cases

This principle should be applied with attention to evidence, consent, equality, power, foreseeable harm and realistic alternatives.

Truth By Reason analysis

Choose conduct directed toward genuine benefit rather than appearance. Its ethical force depends on whether its application reduces avoidable harm and respects equal human dignity.

Ethical themes

  • Justice
  • Social responsibility

Sources