“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8 (BSB)
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light—for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth—and find out what pleases the Lord.” — Ephesians 5:8–10 (BSB)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21 (BSB)
To be good is to imitate God, whose character is perfectly good. The Christian called to goodness must resist evil, walk in the light, and seek justice and mercy in a broken world. This includes personal integrity, moral clarity, compassion for the vulnerable, and a heart that hates sin while loving the sinner.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Goodness is not just moral behavior—it is the radiance of Christ’s righteousness shining through a redeemed life. It is courage in kindness, truth in love.”
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “Goodness stands firm when others compromise. It does not bow to culture or fear but seeks what is right before God. A good man does what pleases the Lord—even when no one is watching.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer calls believers to goodness through its Collects and exhortations. The Collect for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity prays that God would “increase and multiply upon us thy mercy; that thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal.”
J.C. Ryle wrote, “Goodness is doing God’s will, not man’s. It may not always be popular, but it is always right. True goodness is the result of a heart renewed by grace and a conscience ruled by Scripture.” (Practical Religion, 1878)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Goodness is holiness in action. It’s not enough to avoid sin—we must actively pursue righteousness, serve others, and reflect the beauty of God’s character.”
Goodness glorifies Christ because it reveals His holiness, resists the darkness, and shines as a light in the world.
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “A good man is one who does good not for gain, but for God. Let your life be light to others and truth to the world.” — Homily on Psalm 33
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “Let goodness be your strength. Do not repay evil for evil, but conquer by doing what is right, what is noble, what is of God.” — Homily on Romans, 22
St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “The Christian must not only speak of goodness but live it. His deeds must match his creed, and his heart must be holy.” — Treatise on Works and Alms, 5
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
If you are interested in starting a St. Thomas Church in your area and or ordination path fill the contact card form.
St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
