Reject Evil, Embrace Good

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”  – Galatians 6:9. 

What keeps us from doing good? Sometimes it’s our busyness. Other times it may be that doing something good is not convenient. Or perhaps we just don’t want to go against social norms, so we hold back. Whatever the reason, at one time or another, most of us have passed up an opportunity to do something good for someone.

Should anything stop us from doing good for each other? No. Nothing stood in Jesus’ way. We are His treasured possessions. He wants to rescue us and make us whole. Healing, deliverance, salvation, care—none of these things is beyond reason for God to act. So nothing should stand in our way either. When doing good gets tough — and it will — Paul says, “As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.”

In Luke 6, The Pharisees presented Jesus with a difficult situation. Their laws said it was a violation to do work on the Sabbath, unless it meant saving a life. But here in the temple was a man with a withered hand. His life was not in danger, though. Should he be healed on the Sabbath? Jesus didn’t even hesitate. He asked the religious leaders, Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” This man with a deformed hand was precious to God. Jesus healed the man.

God does not rescue us from sin and death to then do nothing. He means for His people to give our lives, the limited time we have, to “doing good.” “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:10). That kind of doing doesn’t simply “overflow” or happen effortlessly. It takes intentionality and practice and planning. “Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.” (Titus 3:14)

“Doing good” is not just for peaceful, convenient times in our life, but just as much for seasons of suffering and conflict. “So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.” (1 Peter 4:19) Are we excused from “doing good” when wronged? “See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

Discussion Questions: 

1. How often do you look to do good on a daily basis? 
2. What can we do this week to do more good?