Be Eager To Do Good - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) April 30, 2024
Why is it so easy to do what is wrong? Some of us don't hesitate to tell lies and they flow off the lips effortlessly. Why is it so simple for some of us to ignore the poor we see in our communities while spending copious amounts of time paying attention to the rich and famous people we will never meet? Even for us Christians, things are no better. It is much easier to scroll on social media than to study our Bibles or watch a sermon. In that regard, we are not unique, because Apostle Paul himself admitted to such struggles in Romans 7:15 - For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered by them]. I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity] (AMP).
Unfortunately, it is so much easier to be naughty than it is to be good. And yet, Christians are called to do good works. Ephesians 2:10 tells us "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." We were therefore predestined to do good here on earth. This is why Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 1025-37). He used it to teach every believer to take pity on others and show them kindness.
But that's not all. Christians are supposed to be eager to do good according to Titus 2:14, which states, He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good (GNT). Christ therefore died to make us the sort of people who don't just do good works but are eager to do so. Think about how He didn't hesitate to heal people. He also didn't hesitate to make sure thousands were not left hungry, feeding thousands not once but twice. Then, there was his desire to ensure that the dead came back to life. He did this for Lazarus, for Jairus's daughter, and also for an unnamed widow who had lost her only son (Luke 7:11-17).
The good He did while on earth varied depending on the need of the person involved but we can learn from HIs compassion and equally be eager to do good for others. Some people need a listening ear. Another person may need funds. And then some want nothing more than prayer.
Titus 2:14 is a challenge to each of us to develop a heart that is eager to do good. Sadly, many resist this because of the fear of being exploited by those looking to take advantage of kind-heartedness. While there are risks, God's instructions haven't changed. We are to help others. Let us never forget Proverbs 11:25 - A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. And there are more promises for those who do good in the Bible. Proverbs 14:31 tells us that those who give to the poor honor God. And for those who are generous, their kindness will be rewarded for the Lord will make them powerful and respected (Psalm 112:9). Jesus is also quoted as saying, "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Plus. We are told in Isaiah 1:17 and elsewhere to care for orphans and widows, and defend the oppressed, for instance.
As we begin our day, let us ask God how we can do good today. Let us look out for those whom we can show the love of God as we are called to by the Royal Law. Who can we pray for? Who can we extend a hand of help to? We must also study the Word because God will use it to teach us how best to do good works. It might not be easy at first, but by God's grace, we will grow in our eagerness to do good and thereby serve Him.
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