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. (Galatians 6:9-10)

Doing Good For Others

The life of a Christian can be exhausting through the trials of temptation, discouragement, and ridicule of the world against a character of righteousness. Jesus described the life of a disciple as one that must bear a cross daily. This can be overwhelming. There are times of discouragement when opposition to doing good fills the heart, and the desire to give up arises. Doing good does not always bring a good reward. The world cannot see the value of living a righteous life. Living in holiness, sharing kindness with all men, is ridiculed. The Christian is a model citizen who obeys the laws of the land, seeks the welfare of his neighbor, and does good things for all men, and faces criticism and disapproval from the world. Feelings of discouragement can overwhelm the soul.

Every Christian should remember that the discouragement they feel is nothing compared to how they treated Jesus Christ. As the Lord faced the reality of the cross, He told the eleven that if the world hated Him, the world would hate them. Luke writes in the Acts of the Apostles how the apostles were warned not to teach in the name of Jesus; they were beaten, and the enemies of God stoned Stephen to death. Did this stop the work of the faithful of God? Even when Saul of Tarsus mounted a fierce persecution of the early church, the saints went everywhere preaching the word. They did not grow weary; they continued to preach and teach about Jesus Christ.

The challenge of losing heart is forgetting that if one keeps the faith and continues to do good, they will reap in time. It may not seem apparent at first, but the fruits of their labor will be evident. People of God must be people of action who, when opportunity presents itself, will do good to all. This is especially important for people of God to do good to their brethren. A higher calling is for the saints to look out for their brethren as a higher calling of duty and obligation. The reason this relationship is higher is because of the shared experience in the blood of Christ. Doing good to the household of faith shows the Father how much His children love and care for one another.

God wants His children to do good to all men, and He especially wants His children to look after one another. The life of the Christian is one of action. There is no room for a lazy spirit neglecting the needs of others. If a brother or sister in Christ is in need and their brethren will not provide for their needs, it brings shame to the family of God and to the name of Christ. There is no need to get discouraged if the hand of diligence is helping others. The world may not understand the spirit of benevolence in the heart of the Christian, but through their good deeds, they will shine as a light in a dark place. Instead of neglecting others, the child of God will show love to all.

Do not grow weary and stay busy. There is much work to be done. Doing good shows a heart of compassion for the needs of others. The harvest of doing good will come one day if discouragement is not allowed to hinder doing good for others. Opportunities abound to do good to all. The Christian must be especially busy in helping those in the kingdom of God. God wants those in His household of faith to take care of one another. Be blessed by doing good. For this, God is well pleased.