Making Sense of Good Sense
“So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense...” Acts 6:3 (MSG)
That phrase caught my attention: “good sense.” It’s not one you hear every day.
Other translations say “full of wisdom” (NIV) or “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (ESV), but I love how The Message puts it: good sense. Because sometimes, that’s exactly what we need more of: not just spiritual fire, but steady, Spirit-filled common sense.
I remember a time when I definitely didn’t show good sense.
There was a decision I made quickly, too quickly. I was trying to fix a problem, but I didn’t slow down to pray, process, or ask for input. What could’ve been a peaceful conversation turned into a tense moment. Looking back, I didn’t lack passion… I lacked perspective. I didn’t pause. I didn’t partner with the wise. And I definitely didn’t pray.
It was a moment that reminded me: good sense isn't automatic, it’s grown.
Acts 6 drops us into a growing, vibrant church. The number of disciples is multiplying, but so are the problems. A group of widows (specifically the Greek-speaking ones) were being overlooked in the daily food distribution. What started as a logistical oversight quickly turned into cultural tension and complaints.
The apostles, wise enough to know they couldn’t do everything, didn’t respond with panic or pride. They responded with a plan.
They said: Let’s find seven trustworthy people, full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and empower them to lead.
And that decision helped the church move from frustration to function, from tension to teamwork.
So what is “good sense?”
Here’s a deeper look:
Sound judgment – making wise, thoughtful decisions, especially under pressure.
Practical wisdom – knowing how to apply knowledge in real-life situations.
Emotional maturity – responding with grace, not just reacting.
Discernment – recognizing what’s truly important and what isn’t.
Good sense is wisdom in motion. It’s not just what you know, it’s how you show up. It’s not just what you say, it’s how you respond.
In your home. At your job. In your ministry.
You’ll face moments where the easy thing is to react, but the wise thing is to respond with good sense.
When you’re overlooked. When conflict brews. When pressure rises.
Good sense keeps you grounded and guided by the Spirit.
But how do you grow in it? It’s not just something you stumble into, it’s something you practice.
Here are 3 ways to grow in good sense:
Pause Before You React
Good sense begins with a moment of stillness.
Instead of firing off that reply, jumping to conclusions, or making a rushed decision: pause.
Ask yourself, “What would wisdom do here?”
A short pause can lead to a much better outcome.Partner with the Wise
Who you walk with shapes how you think.
Surround yourself with people who lead with clarity, calm, and character.
Learn from them. Ask questions. Watch how they process pressure.
Good sense grows in good company.Pray for It Daily
God doesn’t withhold wisdom from those who ask.
James 1:5 reminds us to ask boldly and expect Him to respond.
When you pray for wisdom, you're not just asking for answers;
you're asking for perspective, patience, and peace under pressure.
And the good news? He’s ready to give it.
All we have to do is ask.
Lord, help me be full of Your Spirit and good sense.
Teach me to lead, love, and live with wisdom that reflects You.
Help me grow in maturity, discernment, and steady faith under pressure.
Use me, like You used those seven, to build peace where there’s tension and bring clarity where there’s confusion. Amen.
Make it Personal:
What’s one area of my life where I need to slow down before I speak or decide?
Who in my life models good sense and how can I get around them more?
Am I asking God for wisdom regularly or only when I feel stuck?
