Define Doing Good

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:9-10 NIV

Everywhere you turn, people are complaining about inflation and the increased cost of living, the price of gasoline, groceries, and their high utility bills. And in just about every neighborhood group or social platform, at least one person is asking for a donation of some kind. It can be emotionally exhausting but then we have today's Promise that tells us not to become weary, to not give up. In fact, it encourages us to continue to do good to ALL people...  How do we do that?

Well, I would suggest we define doing good. It's not always about money - although if you have been blessed, bless others. (If you're concerned that they might think you're an easy touch, bless them anonymously. To God be the glory.) 

Inexpensive, but Priceless Doings:

*A smile costs nothing, but reaps a great return for the investment.

*When you fix your favorite dinner, take a to-go container to your neighbor. (Most grocery stores sell sets of 2 or 3 plastic bowls with lids for about $2 USD.) 

*Bake a cake - cut and take enough pieces for the family next door.

*Write a note of encouragement or a compliment and send it via snail mail. If you can't afford a stamp, fold it in half and put it in their mailbox or put it on their car.

*Send an encouraging Bible verse via text. 

*Say a prayer for someone who comes to mind, then text them and let them know you prayed for them that day. 

*Take them a flower or bouquet or vegetables from your garden.

You get the idea. Doing good is a simple matter of touching a heart. And even if they have a heart of stone, remember that in the battle between water and rock, over time, the water wins...

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for every opportunity You provide for us to do good to all people. Open our eyes to see more clearly and move on our hearts so we don't miss it. We want to love others as You love us. Help us, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Do-Gooder

Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. 

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow."

Isaiah 1:16-18 NLT

Learn to do good. I don't know how many times I've read this Scripture and totally missed these 4 words. Learn to do good. Or as it hit me, LEARN to do good.

Acts 10:38 tells us that everywhere Jesus went, He was doing good and healing those who were oppressed. However, doing good doesn't come naturally to most people; and yet, it is the very heart of what we are supposed to be doing in our life's work. Ephesians 6:6b-7 reads, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. 

 Romans 2:6-7 tells us that God “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; And we are all familiar with Galatians 6:8b-10, ...he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Peter tells us to commit our souls to God in doing good. The world's view of a 'do-gooder' often has a negative connotation. However, God sees things MUCH differently. Therefore, as we have opportunity, LET US DO GOOD TO ALL, especially to those who are of the household of faith. 

Please! Someone call me a do-gooder because of my actions.

Prayer:

Father,

          Teach us about doing good for others. We want to learn all we can from following Christ's examples and following Your Word. Help us to accomplish this, O God! We pray in Jesus' Name. Amen

How'm I Doing? - by Request

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

James 3:19 NKJV

You know, I really, REALLY don't like it when my actions become an illustrated sermon of how NOT to act. I have a sign at my desk - I think I told you about it before - It reads, "Lord, keep Your arm around my shoulder...and Your hand over my mouth." Unfortunately, there are days it's just a decoration hanging on the wall; not a prayer, nor an act of submission to God's greater good. I lost track of how many times in the last day and a half I muttered, "Idiot" under my breath...and I am terribly convicted by it. 

But there is a Promise for it - it's found in 1st John 1:9, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Sometimes, God has to use an illustration to get our attention to make us see His Word... well, at least that's how it works in my life. I'm a hands-on, visual learner. Thankfully, He loves us enough to reprimand us when we need it, and then provides grace and mercy, along with His forgiveness.

The other point He drove home for me is that, if the prayer or the Word is just a decoration, just something sitting around and not actively in use, it doesn't do us or those around us any good. We are here to follow in Christ's footsteps, to do as He did (in fact, He said greater things shall we do). So, according to Acts 10:38a-b, ...you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good...  

So, what am I doing? How'm I doing?

Ask me in the morning... His mercies are new every morning.

Prayer:

Father,

         Thank You for loving us enough to correct us. Even though we may not like the correction at the time, thanks so much for caring enough about us to make the correction. By Your grace, and with Your provision, we strive to do better. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Doing Good

Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. 

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow."

Isaiah 1:16-18 NLT

Learn to do good. I don't know how many times I've read this Scripture and totally missed these 4 words. Learn to do good. Or as it hit me, LEARN to do good.

Acts 10:38 tells us that everywhere Jesus went, He was doing good and healing those who were oppressed. However, doing good doesn't come naturally to most people; and yet, it is the very heart of what we are supposed to be doing in our life's work. Ephesians 6:6b-7 reads, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. 

 Romans 2:6-7 tells us that God “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; And we are all familiar with Galatians 6:8b-10, ...he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Peter tells us to commit our souls to God in doing good. The world's view of a 'do-gooder' often has a negative connotation. However, God sees things MUCH differently. Therefore, as we have opportunity, LET US DO GOOD TO ALL, especially to those who are of the household of faith. 

Please! Someone call me a do-gooder because of my actions.

Prayer:

Father,

          Teach us about doing good for others. We want to learn all we can from following Christ's examples and following Your Word. Help us to accomplish this, O God! We pray in Jesus' Name. Amen