Dear Friends,
This week we honor Joyce Ireland–a teacher, a choir member, a gentle soul who loved Jesus and brought joy to our lives. Joyce went to be with the Lord on Saturday August 1st.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
Last week we continued our examination of our walk with Christ by looking at kindness. This week we will focus on GOODNESS. So, what is “goodness”? An excellent synonym is “beneficence”: the doing of active goodness, kindness, or charity – including all actions intended to benefit others.
As we continue this series, notice God is not only a “do as I say” God – he is also a “do as I do” God. When he speaks to us through the scriptures, his message is, “Love because I love. Be patient because I am patient. Be kind because I am kind. Do good because I am good. Have mercy because I have mercy.”
The Apostle Paul makes it clear we should use our lives for doing good not to earn God’s mercy – we have that in Jesus – rather, we use our lives for doing good as a form of thanksgiving for God’s mercy.
But then the kindness and love of God our Savior was shown. He saved us because of his mercy, not because of good deeds we did to be right with God. He saved us through the washing that made us new people. He saved us by making us new through the Holy Spirit
This teaching is true. And I want you to be sure that the people understand these things. Then those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing good. These things are good and will help all people.” Titus 3 4-5, 8 (ICB)
“But I just want to be a PEW-TATER,” you may say. “Isn’t it enough that I attend and tithe?” Suiting up and showing up is a good start, but the Apostles told us a relationship with Christ involves more.
James the half-brother of Jesus offered: “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.” James 1:22 (NLT).
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” James 4:17 (NIV)
Paul put emphasis on good works, “Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.” 1 Timothy 6Z:18-19 (NIV)
Granted, not everyone is called to serve as a missionary in Zimbabwe or to spend their days feeding the poor, but we all have been given talents that can be used to serve the Lord.
Recently, we were involved in a discussion with friends in an assisted living facility about the kinds of things they could do for others. One dear lady in her nineties knits prayer shawls. Another lady mentioned she helps those with limited sight play bingo, while another mentioned helping fill gift boxes for our troops. Others talked about the power of a gentle touch, a kind word, a friendly smile, or a quiet prayer. Sometimes the most valuable thing we can offer the Lord is our time.
John Wesley encouraged us: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
In Matthew 25, we learn goodness involves reaching out to all of God’s children. “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:40 (NKJV)
Does it matter when we do good? Without a doubt! Everything we do that brings glory to God matters.
Verse for the week: Psalm 90:17 (NKJV): “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Blessings,
Your friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 