APR 11

Galatians 6:9-10
Memorise Galatians 6:10
“… let us do good…”

Yesterday’s reading focused on gentleness – an inward love that shows itself in a tender demeanour. Today’s passage on goodness centres around the actions that arise out of that demeanour. The word “goodness” stresses the good works that are actively done.

In Galatians 6:10, Paul exhorts Christians to do good at every opportunity that is presented. He notes that we should do good “unto all men”. However he also mentions that this should be done especially towards fellow believers.

It is important to note that “goodness” is not a generic term. Society believes many things are good – like not caning children – but which are actually contrary to what God’s Word tells us is truly good. Therefore, when the Bible instructs us to do good, we must also use the Word to judge exactly what is good, and therefore ought to be done to all men.

Since such “goodness” is very specific, we must not go about with the mistaken impression that we must do everything that people claim is good, or which seems good to us. The good that we wish to do must be in line with God’s Word. If we fail to properly determine what is good, then we may mistakenly apply this verse and end up performing sinful acts in the name of “the greater good”, which is ultimately wrong in God’s eyes.

Do we do good towards our fellow believers in particular? One act of goodness we should not shy away from would be rebuking our brothers and sisters in Christ if they are in sin. It is not a pleasant task, but it is still characterised by goodness. Thus, in such a situation, we also see the essence of goodness – true goodness is not simply the intention or the desire to perform an act; it is the act being actually carried out. Having a desire to rebuke my brother who is in sin is not goodness until I act upon it.

Are there other acts of goodness which we have failed to perform? Have we only entertained the idea of performing them? If so, let us resolve today to “do good unto all men”, and to “not be weary in well doing”.

Thought: Am I doing good, or only thinking of doing good?
Prayer: Lord, grant me the boldness and perseverance to consistently do good to those around me.