Month 7: The Fruit of GOODNESS
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
INTRODUCTION
Scripture talks about goodness as one of God’s character traits and part of the fruit of the Spirit that is evidenced in us as His followers
. For this month we will look at the fruit of goodness.
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Description text goes hereSome of you might choose to do it all in one sitting. Some of you may do one section per day. Some of you might work through it multiple times. We truly want this to work FOR you! Our prayer is that you’ll feel a sense of joy that comes from spending time in communion with God and then with others as you live out the “practices” you’ll be invited to each week. If your participation ever feels burdensome, then take a break! The Neuma Project exists to assist in your discipleship - both individually and communally with others at FPC, and in your neighborhoods. It doesn’t exist to guilt you into time spent in the word and community. (though if you need a little push, we’re fine to allow this to do that)
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Our vision is that this will be something your family can do together. We will always include a “Neuma Kids” section that you can do with your littles.
We also believe teenage kids can participate in all of the content as well as adults, bringing their own insights and questions. HOWEVER, we are well aware teens + parents + faith conversations can be tricky. For this reason, during Act II on Sunday mornings teens will have the chance to engage this content with each other and their leaders. If all you are able to ‘accomplish’ is a check-in with them on Sunday afternoons, consider it a win! If you are able to sit down and go through the materials together, then you deserve an award and come teach us your ways :)
Start By Stopping
(If you aren’t in a place where you can do that, set a reminder to come back. But please don’t try to cram this in while getting kids ready for school, or replying to emails, or watching Netflix)Don’t talk, don’t move, don’t do anything except breathe. Look around, listen, smell… and be still until it’s uncomfortable. Say a prayer- no agenda, just whatever you want to say directed toward God. If praying isn’t something you do often- give it a shot. Just talk/think/share. In fact, we encourage you to pray aloud! It might feel odd at first, but again, there’s no pressure to do it “correctly.” Just fill God in on your heart & enjoy the quiet.
JOURNAL:
Grab your Neuma Journal and spend a few minutes with this (seemingly) simple prompt:
HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE WORD GOODNESS?
Write down your response. Feel free to have a few responses or bullet points! You can write a short sentence or a full paragraph to articulate your understanding of peace.
Trudy Burda
Storytelling:
In pondering "goodness" as a fruit of the Spirit, I became overwhelmed with the amount of people who have personified god's goodness in our lives. I am overjoyed to express my witness to our dear friends Lyle and Barb Twedt. And while both have been incredible caring friends, I would like to focus on Lyle's faithful relationship with my husband Bruce, who is in later stages of Parkinson's and Parkinson's dementia, and the love that Lyle has shown both Bruce and I.
Just ask Bruce about Wednesday breakfast and the Chalet restaurant! Once a week Lyle drives to our house, and the two meet up with Phil Sagado at their favorite breakfast joint. There Bruce is treated with kindness and respect and gets to eat out, a treat for him. Bruce poses balance issues, confusion and messy eating, but the men treat him as just one of the guys, a blessing when you hate being disabled.
As a full time caregiver that rarely is able to leave the house, having Bruce driven to town gives me a blessed three hours to have worry free alone time, a gift and sacrifice on Lyle's part, though he always says he loves the drive.
They chat away as they follow up breakfast with Dairy Queen talking guy talk which helps Bruce with his own articulation. Lyle always tells Bruce how much he loves being with him allowing Bruce value without humbleness.
In this journey, I have found it's unusal for folks to be comfortable around those with mental handicaps, but to Lyle, it's just Bruce. There was a day Bruce was very lost in his demitia. Lyle came out anyway and spoke gentley, just being present to him. That is a precious moment to me, and I thanked god for Lyle living out his goodness to Bruce.
As a person with a servants heart it's quite the challenge to sit back and receive anothers care with no visable way to return it. The goodness of Lyle comes with no expectation. God's mercy as lived out through Lyle, is truly a gift of the spirit into our lives.
- Trudy & Bruce Burda
Goodness is “a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people.”
- Eugene Peterson
JOURNAL:
How does Eugene’s definition of goodness sit with you?
Does it contradict, mimic, or support your personal definition in any ways? How so?
When you think about the Fruit of the Spirit being something that can be seen IN you, do you see yourself as a child of God who contains a permeating holiness within you?
RESPONDING TO SCRIPTURE
Settle in and get quiet. Take a few deep breaths. Ask the Spirit to illuminate the scriptures for you.
After you’ve slowed yourself down with silence and breath, read scriptures below.
(If you’d like to use your own Bible please do! If you’d like an online version from the NRSV you can find one HERE)
Then slowly work through the prompts below.
Use your Neuma Journal to write down what comes to your heart and mind.
BIBLE EXPLORATION
This month we will be spending time in Psalm 27. This particular Psalm is a heartfelt declaration of trust in God amid fear, uncertainty, and opposition. It was written by David, likely during a season of danger or pursuit, but it overflows with bold confidence in God’s protection and goodness.
The psalm moves from declaring who God is (vv. 1–6), to a prayer for deliverance (vv. 7–12), and ends with a bold statement of faith (vv. 13–14).
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1 Description text goes hereThe Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?2 When evildoers assail me
to devour my flesh—
my adversaries and foes—
they shall stumble and fall.3 Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
yet I will be confident.4 One thing I asked of the Lord;
this I seek:
to live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in his temple.5 For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.6 Now my head is lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
8 “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!”
Your face, Lord, do I seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me.Do not turn your servant away in anger,
you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off; do not forsake me,
O God of my salvation!
10 If my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will take me up.11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they are breathing out violence.13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
Focus Verse: Psalm 27:13
"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."
This verse captures David’s faith in God's goodness—not merely in eternity, but in the here and now. In spite of hardship, betrayal, and enemies, David clings to the belief that God's goodness is real, active, and present.
Connecting to the Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness
In Galatians 5:22–23, goodness is listed as a fruit of the Spirit—evidence of God’s life growing within us. This “goodness” is more than being moral; it reflects God's character: generous, kind, and faithful. In Psalm 27, we not only see God's goodness, but are also invited to trust in it, wait for it, and reflect it in our own lives.
Key Points for Reflection:
1. God’s Goodness is Our Light in Darkness (v.1)
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”
God’s goodness drives out fear and brings clarity. Even when circumstances are dark, God’s nature as light and salvation reassures us of His presence and goodness.
2. God’s Goodness is a Place of Safety (v.5)
“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling…”
David describes God not just as a rescuer, but as a refuge—a place of rest and security. This reflects the goodness of a God who shelters us when life becomes overwhelming.
3. God’s Goodness is Worth Waiting For (v.14)
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
God’s goodness may not always be immediately visible, but David encourages us to wait in confident hope. The fruit of the Spirit—goodness—grows as we trust and wait on God.
4. God’s Goodness is evidence in us
JOURNAL:
Just in the past 10 days, where have you seen the goodness of God in someone(s) else? So obvious that you can’t deny it!
Just in the past 10 days, where can you confidently say that the goodness of God could be witnessed by others through you? No false modesty, please!
Reflection Questions:
When have you experienced the goodness of God in a difficult time?
Reflect on a moment when things were hard, but God’s presence or provision showed up in a meaningful way.How can you grow in reflecting God’s goodness to others this week?
Are there specific people or situations where God is calling you to show generosity, kindness, or patience?What fears or uncertainties are you facing today, and how does Psalm 27 encourage you to respond?
Use this space to pour out your heart honestly and then write out a prayer of trust in God’s goodness.How difficult is it for you to believe that goodness exists within you? That there is a “basic holiness that permeates” you?
Neuma Kids
A Treasure Hunt of Goodness
*This is meant to be read aloud to, and with, your kid(s). We would also suggest it becomes part of your family’s rhythm. Maybe pick 3-4 days a week for the month where you’ll do this practice with your kid(s).
Adapted from The Book of Belonging
Trust grows over time. This is true in any relationship. One of the ways we learn to trust God is by noticing God in the little sneak-peek moments throughout the day. Mary was really good at this!
Close your eyes and think back on your day. What lovely moments did you tuck into your heart?
See if you can go on a treasure hunt this week. Anytime you notice a special moment - one that makes your heart glow - collect it! Like a leaf that’s the perfect shade of orange. Or the ticket stub from a movie you saw with your parents. If it’s something that happened in your head or heart, you could write it down or draw a picture.
You can collect your treasures in a special box and share them with your family at the end of the week.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: GOODNESS
Each month during The Neuma Project you will be invited to try an experiment. Some of the experiments will be really simple, while others will stretch you out of your comfort zone. Just like an experiment at school, we want you to try them all. There’s no judgment if it doesn’t work, and since we’re all learning together, no one is an expert!
Ebeneezers of Goodness
Ebenezers in the Bible are rock piles to remind the people of a time when God was faithful, and to share the stories of God’s goodness. This week make your own physical and/or metaphorical ebenezer using the prompts below.
Sift through your memories. When are some times (in hindsight) where you see that God was working, even if you didn’t know it at the time? God is with us in both good and bad times; it’s valuable to remember his faithfulness at all times. Use your Neuma Journal to record your responses OR go ahead and find some flat rocks out in your neighborhood and build your own ebeneezer in your yard, bedroom, wherever!
Here are some questions to get your memory going…
What loving adults sheltered, nurtured, protected, and taught you as you were growing up? Who were they?
When a hard-earned lesson left you older and
wiser, with the experience you need to sympathize with and guide others.
When have you seen God at work in good times?
How has God been faithful even when things have been tough?
Who has encouraged your faith?
When have you felt God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ?
How did you know God was close when you were frightened?
PRACTICING GOODNESS
A powerful and practical physical activity that shows the Goodness of God in a neighborhood is organizing or participating in a community service walk — a walk where you intentionally bless others along the way.
“Goodness In Your Neighborhood”
Commit to enjoying Springtime in your neighborhoods with AT LEAST one walk a week. As you walk through your neighborhood:
Pray silently or quietly for each home you pass.
Pick up litter to show care for the shared environment.
Greet neighbors with kindness, even just a smile or a friendly wave.
Offer help when you see a need (like helping someone carry groceries or taking out trash for an elderly neighbor).
Bring along small acts of goodness: deliver a handwritten note, a flower from your garden, or a small baked treat to a neighbor.
This kind of walk:
Demonstrates goodness through serving without expecting anything back.
Builds relationships through simple acts of hospitality and kindness.
Can involve the whole family and model Christlike character to children and neighbors alike.
Other family friendly ideas rooted in goodness:
Host a front-yard free lemonade stand or “blessing table” where neighbors can grab a drink, treat, or encouraging Bible verse.
Organize a neighborhood clean-up day and invite families to serve together.
Create a “blessing box” outside your home with free food, hygiene items, or notes of encouragement.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
What movie, TV show, book, podcast, etc are you currently appreciating?
What are 3 things you are looking forward to this summer? What is something you are not looking forward to this summer?
If willing, share your original, personal, definition of the word ‘goodness’ that you wrote at the beginning of these learning materials. After going through all of the materials (Eugene Peterson’s quote, Psalm 27, etc) how do you feel about your original definition? Has it evolved or changed at all, or did you nail it?!
Many of us are comfortable saying “God is good!” And “we see the goodness of God!” But we have a tougher time believing that we are good and are bearers of God’s goodness through the Spirit. Do you find that to be true for you? Are you confident in your own reality as a vessel of goodness??
How was it for you (and any friends or family) to intentionally bring 'goodness to your neighborhood? What did that look like? What was encouraging, discouraging, or engaging about that for you?
What’s next for your Neuma Group? Spend time together after worship now that Act 2 options are wrapping up? Meet up for coffee before worship sometime? Host a “School’s Out” potluck with your neighbors invited?
Songs for Reflection
Please use these songs to supplement your time this week. Listen as you pray or as you drive to work. Listen as you respond to the reflection prompts or as you do homework. Listen as you get ready for bed at night or don’t listen at all!