In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul lists the fruits of the Spirit. We’ve been highlighting one each month here at FPF, and this month, we’re talking about goodness—a powerful and sometimes overlooked and under-appreciated fruit. For homeschooling families, goodness is not just an abstract concept but a daily calling that shapes both our curriculum choices and our character.

Goodness, in its biblical sense, goes beyond simply being "nice." It encompasses moral integrity, righteousness, and a heart that wants to do what pleases God. As homeschoolers, we have the unique opportunity to model and instill this fruit in our children throughout the day—in math lessons, history discussions, science experiments, and most importantly, in the quiet (and not-so-quiet) moments between these things.

In the home, goodness is shown when we help a child choose kindness over conflict, honesty over convenience, and service over self. It's seen in the way we respond with patience and grace in difficult teaching moments, and in how siblings are taught to love and forgive one another. These daily interactions become a living curriculum that shapes godly character in us and in our children.

As parents, we can nurture goodness by rooting our teaching in Scripture, encouraging acts of service, and making sure we take time to be with the Lord each day. After all, if we have been homeschooling for more than five minutes, we quickly discover that homeschooling is as much about what God is teaching us as it is about what we are teaching our kids!

Ultimately, cultivating goodness in our homes is not about striving for perfection, but about allowing the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in our hearts and homes. As we walk with Christ daily, our families can become a testimony of His goodness to the world around us—training not only minds, but also souls for the glory of God—and ultimately influencing others to want to know Jesus, too. 

Parents, we can’t pass on what we don’t possess. Ask the Lord to show you how you are modeling this very important “fruit” for your family and others. God’s desire is that we would grow up in Christ until He takes us home someday. Homeschooling gives us lots of opportunities to grow, so let’s get growing! 

Growing in Grace with You,
Heidi