Doing Good (2)

“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” Acts 10:38

Doing good would be easier if doing good always went the way we want or expect it to go. Plus, sometimes sacrifices are required that we would rather not make. And worse yet, people are often clearly not worthy of the good needed. So here are some things to remember…

Doing good is not always appreciated. We’ve all experienced this, yet we must not grow hardened to the needs of others. Our good may not be noticed or thanked. Remember: God did good to us – He sent Jesus to die for us (and the whole world) – while we were unappreciative sinners (Ro 5:8). Sometimes the only satisfaction we may get out of doing good is in knowing that we are doing what is right – we are being godly. Do good anyway!

Doing good is not always welcomed. Yes, sometimes people will not want us to do good. Sometimes it is out of ear or guilt, sometimes people won’t like things that are good (or righteous). It is always good to do good. Do not assume that it will be rejected – do good and let them be the one to choose. But don’t be surprised, discouraged, or deterred.

Doing good to everyone. While we know we are to do good to all men, most of us can easily think of someone for whom we would find it very hard to do good. In Jesus’ famous “love your enemies” lesson He also said, “do good to them which hate you” (Lk 6:27). Our goodness may not be deserved, expected, nor out of relationship with the person. We do it because it is the right thing to do. Doing good is a decision that comes from our relationship with God and can be independent from the person to whom we do good.

Doing good without repayment. Jesus said, “And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same” (Lk 6:33). Later, He said, “…do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and you reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Lk 6:35). Doing good is about being godly (honoring the things of God) – it’s not about reciprocation, re-payment, acknowledgment, or even looking good in the eyes of others. Can we be this good? God is to us. We can surely be good with the few things He has given us.  dd