Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Summary: Once again Paul points us to our central mission as believers: Showing God’s love to others.
As I read Paul’s words in this passage, I wonder what Paul means by “let us do good to all people.” What does Paul mean by “doing good?”
The Greek word Paul used is a word that refers to “good” in a general sense. It appears Paul is reflecting on how God’s Spirit motivates us to do things that please God.
When I think of God, I often think about the kind of love the Bible attributes to God. Agapé love is the highest and purest form of love there is. You might say it is selfless love.
And what does that mean?
Selfless love does not mean that a person (or God) has no “self.” Rather, it means that how we love is not restricted by self-interest.
For example, showing selfless love to someone means that we ignore what our “self” wants and focus only on the people we are caring for. Their needs take priority over our own.
God demonstrated this kind of love by sending his Son, Jesus, to show us who God really is. Ultimately, of course, Jesus gave his life for us.
When we “do good” for others, especially other believers, we are looking out for their best interests. We are also doing what pleases God. And, as they say in the pirate movies, “Aye, there’s the rub!”
Some people define “doing good” as telling other people the difference between right and wrong. Using this approach, if I tell you what you are doing wrong, I am “doing good.” But that is not the kind of “good” Paul had in mind.
As Paul mentions earlier in his letter, each of us should “test their own actions” (Galatians 6:4). We have to be careful not to be judgmental. Instead, doing good reflects all the fruit of the Spirit that Paul mentions: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
If we test ourselves against this measure, we will know whether we are doing good. If we conform to Jesus’ teachings, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).
Application: Strive for spiritual greatness.
Food for Thought: What are some examples of “doing good” that come to mind?
We can try and make a list, or provide examples, like teaching others, helping others, giving freely to others, standing up for others, but I believe there is more to it that that.
There is that old philosophical question, “If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?”
That question brings to light two aspects of a tree falling: the physical phenomenon and the human experience.
When I think when thinking about “doing good”, it is easy to fall into the mindset of how it relates to others. But I don’t think “doing good” is that in t’s entirety. I believe doing good is first a spiritual phenomenon, and as a result of that spiritual phenomenon, the human experience around us is good. That loving God first empowers us to love others as ourselves, and the goodness that comes from loving Him, empowers us to “do good” toward others.
My thinking is along these lines: “If a person lives in the love of the Spirit, and no one is around to experience that love, does that person do good?” Secular reasoning would say it doesn’t matter, but in the eyes of God, it does matter.
So, my point is, doing good starts with the condition of our hearts toward God, and then extend outward toward others. That is aligning our desires and intensions with God’s, and then letting our actions toward others show the love of Christ, as He did the same for us.
What are some examples of “doing good” that come to mind?
Do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. I think this aligns perfectly with 1 Corinthians 10:31 (do all to the glory of God).
Micah 6:8
8 He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
And as a result of “doing” what God has told us is good, we then have the ability to be generous and be ready to share. This really mirrors God’s love, His grace (good Will) toward us. He is generous and ready to share. I believe this comes as a result of God living in our hearts. We “store up” God’s goodness in our hearts and are able to share that with others.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Chris,
Well thought out! I like your summation:
“… doing good starts with the condition of our hearts toward God, and then extend outward toward others.”
That perfectly mirrors the Greatest Commandments (Matthew 22:37-40)
I was thinking the same thing.
Thank you CH!
What are some examples of “doing good” that come to mind?
Good works in the Bible are not limited to performing charitable deeds or acts of kindness.
Doing good is the fruit produces from a transformed heart and a demonstration of a believers faith in action. It is more than simply doing what is morally right; it involves a genuine desire to serve others with love and compassion of Jesus Christ toward all mankind..
The book of James teaches the fact that faith without works is dead which clearly illustrates the interconnection between belief and action. Good works are also seen as an expression of gratitude for the grace and mercy He has bestowed upon us as our lives reveal His love for others.
James 2:14-26
As we live demonstrating acts of service and kindness, we show God’s love to those around us. We reveal His teachings through our actions. It is through our good works that we fulfill our purpose as believers and contribute to building God’s kingdom on earth.
Good works are not just deeds done in isolation but in reality a living testimony of our faith in God’s transformative power in us.
Thank you, Ron!
Amen!
Doing good really is a testimony to Christ in us. 🙂
Good stuff from CH and R2T2 (and T). If I had to sum this up in one sentence: the example of doing good that comes to mind is the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
He is the standard, so we can look at the example He set and emulate that example.
Thanks, Rich!
Yes, Jesus set the bar pretty high! 🙂
What are some examples of “doing good” that come to mind?
So many things I’ve seen and experience from brothers on this blog. Things that remind me how thankful I am to know that God loves us has taught us and that we share that love to eachother.
I think ” doing good ” isn’t for others to see ( if they do the glory goes to God ) but all things done out of love for our God. Doing things that I know delights God and that nobody else will see or know are my favorite. The things that make people say God is Good.
Tim Good comments. Thanks
I agree T. And you live this out. I see Jesus in you.
Thanks Tim!
I like your point that doing good is for God to see. We are, after all, his children and he is our Father.
My mind would go towards things like the sermon in the Mount. Love those who hate you, be a light, reconcile with others (Jesus was talking about being right before worship or offering, but still), turn the other cheek, do more/give more than asked, don’t hate, correct yourself before correcting others so you’re not being a hypocrite.
Don’t complicate things. We know what good things are. Just as Jesus said a father knows it isn’t good/right to give his kid a snake when he asks for bread. Some things God instilled in us, in His image. So, it’s okay to go a little by feeling on this one. On top of that the Holy Spirit in us can let us know when we did it wrong and then we fix it.
The simplest answer, don’t do bad or evil, then you’ll have mostly good actions left.
Angela,
Great point! We always have a choice. Eliminate the bad and our path becomes clear.
I appreciate what you say here A. Well stated.