For Goodness’ Sake

Bible Reading: Galatians 6:7-10

Don’t get tired of doing what is good. Galatians 6:9

Ten-year-old Jessica dives outside as soon as it snows to shovel the sidewalk and driveway of the widow next door. She does this to be kind, not because her neighbor pays her—because she can’t afford to.

Twelve-year-old Michael is required to be a reading tutor for second-graders. It’s a class requirement, but it means a lot more. He’s seen the skills of a couple students he tutors really pop. All of a sudden they can read!

Are you looking for a first-class way to share Christ with the world? There’s a simple way to start that probably won’t make you squirm with nervousness: Do good to others.

All through the Bible we can spot instructions to do for others what is right and good:

• “If we do what helps [others], we will build them up in the Lord” (Romans 15:2).

• “Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters” (Galatians 6:10).

• “Never tire of doing what is right” (2 Thessalonians 3:13, NIV).

• “Let us not become weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9, NIV).

When we do good things for other people, they get the chance to see the Savior in us.

Just because you’re working for someone else doesn’t mean you can go at it halfheartedly. People see God acting through us when we do good. They also see God in us when we jump on every situation as an opportunity to do our best. Paul challenged the Galatian Christians, for example, “Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else” (Galatians 6:4). Doing your best for others peels people’s eyes off of you and lets people see God in your actions.

And here’s a truth to rely on: When you use your gifts, talents, and abilities with the power of the Holy Spirit, it doesn’t matter how people respond in the short run. God will make the most of your hard work and wholehearted service to draw people to himself!

TALK: How can you share your faith through good deeds toward others?

PRAY: God, open our eyes to the opportunities all around us to do good for others.

ACT: Make a plan as a family to do a good deed today for someone who doesn’t know Jesus!