Doing good is at the heart of faith, and the Bible encourages it. Today, we’ll look at why God calls us to do good and how our actions reflect His love. Through kindness, we can make a difference in the world.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Fear Of Death
What Does The Bible Say About Doing Good
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This verse encourages believers to persevere in doing good, even when facing challenges or discouragement. It reminds us that our efforts will eventually bear fruit if we remain steadfast and faithful.
It teaches us the importance of not growing weary or giving up, as our acts of kindness and goodness have the potential to make a lasting impact and bring about positive outcomes in due time.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
This verse emphasizes that as children of God, we are designed and created to do good works. It reminds us that God has prepared specific acts of goodness for each of us to fulfill in our lives.
It instills a sense of purpose and responsibility, as we recognize that our good deeds are not random or insignificant, but rather part of God’s divine plan for us to reflect His love and make a positive impact in the world.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This verse urges believers to let their good deeds shine before others, serving as a testament to the goodness and glory of God. It highlights the importance of setting a positive example and being a source of inspiration to those around us.
Through our acts of kindness and compassion, we have the opportunity to bring glory to God and showcase His transformative power, ultimately drawing others closer to Him.
Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
This verse challenges us to go beyond the conventional understanding of doing good and extends it to our enemies. It calls us to show love and kindness even to those who may not deserve it, just as God extends His kindness to all.
By demonstrating such unconditional love and goodness, we not only reflect the character of God, but we also position ourselves as children of the Most High, and are promised a great reward for our acts of selflessness.
James 4:17
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
This verse highlights the importance of not just knowing what is good but also actively choosing to do it. It emphasizes that failing to do good when we have the opportunity is considered sinful.
It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to act in accordance with God’s will, and the significance of aligning our actions with our knowledge and understanding of what is good and right.
Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act.”
This verse advises against withholding acts of kindness or assistance when we have the ability to provide them. It emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities to do good, especially when it is within our means to do so.
It encourages believers to be generous and compassionate, utilizing their resources and capabilities to bless others and make a positive difference in their lives.
1 Peter 3:11
“They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse emphasizes the need for believers to actively turn away from evil and intentionally choose to do good. It highlights the importance of seeking peace and actively pursuing it as a way of life.
It serves as a reminder that doing good involves not only avoiding wrongdoing but actively engaging in acts of righteousness, fostering peace, and contributing to the well-being of others.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This verse encourages believers to rise above evil and respond with goodness. It reminds us that instead of allowing evil to triumph over us, we should actively counteract it by choosing to do good in every circumstance.
It emphasizes the transformative power of good deeds and the potential to overcome darkness and negativity with acts of love, grace, and kindness.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
This verse reminds believers that in doing good, we are ultimately serving the Lord rather than mere human authorities or expectations. It encourages us to approach our acts of goodness with wholeheartedness and dedication.
It also provides the assurance that our efforts will not go unnoticed or unrewarded, as we are promised an eternal inheritance from the Lord as a result of our faithful service.
Psalm 37:3
“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”
This verse highlights the connection between trusting in God and actively doing good. It encourages believers to place their confidence in the Lord and commit themselves to acts of righteousness.
It assures us that when we prioritize doing good and aligning our lives with God’s will, we can experience His provision and protection, finding security and contentment in His faithful care.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse emphasizes the principle of generosity and the positive outcomes associated with refreshing and uplifting others through our actions. It teaches us that when we choose to do good and generously bless others, we ourselves are blessed in return.
It underscores the importance of a selfless and giving attitude, as it not only impacts the lives of those we help but also allows us to experience God’s abundant blessings in our own lives.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse instructs believers to actively turn away from evil and actively pursue goodness and peace. It emphasizes the need for intentional choices and actions that align with God’s ways.
It encourages us to be agents of peace, actively seeking harmony in our relationships and communities, and promoting a spirit of reconciliation and unity.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse admonishes us against harboring disdain or indifference towards our neighbors, highlighting that such attitudes are sinful. Instead, it encourages us to show generosity and compassion to the poor and marginalized.
It reminds us that in extending help and support to those in need, we position ourselves to receive blessings and experience the goodness of God in our lives.
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
This verse serves as a reminder to believers not to neglect doing good and sharing with others. It emphasizes the importance of sacrificially giving and contributing to the well-being of those in need.
It reassures us that when we engage in acts of kindness and selflessness, we bring joy and pleasure to God, as our actions reflect His nature and demonstrate our love for Him.
Titus 3:8
“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of consistently focusing on and prioritizing doing good. It encourages believers to be intentional in their commitment to acts of righteousness and kindness.
It assures us that such devotion to doing good is not only commendable but also beneficial, as it positively impacts the lives of others and brings glory to God.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
This verse admonishes believers against seeking revenge or harboring resentment when wronged, and encourages them to consistently pursue goodness and kindness towards others.
It teaches us to prioritize love and forgiveness over retaliation, while also highlighting the importance of considering the well-being and benefit of everyone, not just those closest to us.
Romans 12:9
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
This verse emphasizes the sincerity and purity of love, urging believers to have genuine and authentic affection for others. It counsels us to hate evil and actively hold fast to what is good.
It reminds us that our love should be grounded in righteousness and truth, and should manifest through our commitment to doing good and promoting goodness in our interactions and relationships.
Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
This verse highlights the various ways in which believers can demonstrate acts of kindness and compassion. It encompasses feeding the hungry, offering drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, providing clothing, caring for the sick, and visiting prisoners.
It underscores the importance of reaching out to those in need and actively meeting their physical and emotional needs, just as we would be doing for Christ Himself.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward them for what they have done.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between kindness towards the poor and lending to the Lord. It highlights that acts of generosity and compassion towards those in need are regarded as lending to the Lord Himself.
It assures us that our acts of goodness and selflessness are not in vain, as God promises to reward our faithfulness and bless us for our kindness and care towards the less fortunate.
James 2:14-17
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
This passage asserts the inseparable link between faith and action, insisting that true faith is demonstrated through deeds of kindness and compassion.
It warns against empty words or mere lip service, emphasizing the importance of tangible acts of goodness that meet the practical needs of others. Authentic faith is not passive but actively engages in acts of love and service.
Proverbs 3:27-28
“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, ‘Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.’”
This verse implores believers to seize opportunities to do good and extend help to those who are deserving and in need of assistance. It emphasizes the urgency of acting promptly and not delaying or postponing acts of kindness.
It reminds us that our ability to help others is a privileged responsibility and encourages us to exercise generosity and compassion when presented with the chance to make a positive difference.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
This verse encapsulates the foundational commandment of Christ – to love one another. It calls believers to emulate Christ’s love and extend it to others, as a defining characteristic of being His disciples.
It implies that our acts of love and goodness towards one another serve as a powerful testimony and confirmation of our identity as followers of Christ, and enable us to bear witness to His transformative power and love in the world.
Acts 10:38
“…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil because God was with Him.”
This verse recounts the life and ministry of Jesus, emphasizing His unwavering commitment to doing good. It highlights that Jesus used His power to bring healing and restoration to those who were oppressed and suffering.
It serves as a model for believers to follow, showcasing the importance of aligning our lives with Christ’s example of goodness and demonstrating God’s presence in our actions as we seek to bring healing and help to those around us.