Doing Good
In Acts 10 the Apostle Peter describes Jesus’ ministry as ‘preaching good news’ and ‘doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil’. Most evangelical Christians recognise that Jesus’ ministry was primarily about preaching; which we emulate quite well. Yet how often do we speak of ‘doing good’?
The fact is, wherever Jesus went, he did good alongside preaching the word. From healing the sick, to helping the poor, to raising the dead, to feeding the hungry, to even looking after his own mother’s welfare after his departure; Jesus was deeply interested in doing good. Whenever he saw a need, he did something about it.
The ultimate example of this is of course the cross. When the pre-incarnate Jesus looked upon humanity’s plight and saw they were in need of atonement, he did something. Even at infinite personal cost, Jesus went out of his way to do good for us. When the depths of Jesus’ goodness to us really sinks in, it should melt our hearts to want to do the same. It takes a very callous heart indeed to receive infinite grace, then turn around and treat others harshly.
So the next time you see a need, and you can help, follow Jesus’ example and ‘just do it!’ We might not be able to stop the famine in Ethiopia; but we can give to charities that are sending aid. If someone needs a hand with their shopping, give them an hour of your time. If someone needs help with meals or housework, don’t hold back your grace. If someone needs money, forgo that luxury you had your hopes on and help with their necessities. The possibilities to do good in this world are endless. Thankfully so is our capacity to do so in Christ. So let’s get out there and do good.
Brendan McLaughlin