In our ongoing series on the Fruit of the Spirit in missional enterprise, we look today at the characteristic of Goodness. The Greek word for “goodness” in the New Testament is agathosune. The Strong’s Greek Concordance gives the following definition:

The term “agathosune” refers to an intrinsic goodness, a moral quality that reflects uprightness of heart and life. It is a virtue that encompasses kindness, benevolence, and a desire to do what is right according to God’s standards.

To help us reflect on how goodness (and the related quality of self-control) can be powerfully demonstrated in the context of enterprise leadership, let’s look at a case study of an enterprise leader whose integrity was put to the test.

The Hard Path

Joe was a general manager of a thriving enterprise in a foreign country. He was known for his sharp business acumen and integrity, a rare combination that led to remarkable success. Joe was committed not just to “doing well” in business, but also to “doing good” by honoring God in every decision and action. His faith was not just a private matter but the foundation of his leadership.

One day, however, Joe faced a significant ethical dilemma. A powerful figure in his organization pressured him to compromise his principles for personal gain. The easy path was tempting—it would likely have ensured Joe’s continued success and preserved his position of influence. But taking that path would have dishonored God, and violated the trust of others.

Instead, Joe chose the hard path of integrity. He refused to compromise, even though it came at a high cost. The fallout was severe: he lost his position, his reputation was tarnished, and he was falsely accused of misconduct. The accusations led to unjust punishment, and Joe found himself in a situation far worse than he could have imagined.

Despite his suffering, Joe continued to trust God, remaining faithful and diligent even in his lowest moments. His story of goodness—choosing “to do what is right according to God’s standards (Strong’s)”—reminds us that God’s approval is worth far more than worldly success.

A Greater Purpose

You may have realized that “Joe” is, in fact, Joseph, the son of Jacob, in the Old Testament. You can read his account in detail in Genesis chapters 39-50. As a servant in Potiphar’s household, Joseph refused to sin against God when tempted by Potiphar’s wife. Though his integrity led to imprisonment, God ultimately used Joseph’s suffering to fulfill a greater purpose, eventually elevating him to a position of immense influence, leading to blessing and redemption for many people.

Goodness in leadership, as demonstrated by Joseph, means doing what pleases God and demonstrates integrity toward others, even at great personal cost. May we, as missional enterprise leaders, experience and express God’s goodness as we walk by the Holy Spirit.

Verse of the Week:

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20 (ESV)

Lord, fill us with the faith to trust you and do good, even at personal cost, and even when we don’t see a positive outcome yet.