FAITH IS AN ACTION WORD

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap 
a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do 
good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. 
(Galatians 6:9-10)

MEDITATION:
One of the distinguishing characteristics of a follower of Jesus Christ, 
is love.
However, many forget that love is more than a feeling, it is an action verb.
When we have love in our hearts, 
it will be shown through the ‘good deeds’ we do.
 
It is more than just ‘doing’ something, 
it is a heartfelt desire that cares about others.
We do not set boundaries for ‘doing good deeds’ 
that are limited to our close circle of friends and family.

The scriptures tell us that followers of Christ will want to do ‘good deeds’ 
for all people, and especially those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Why are we instructed to never overlook those in the ‘family of believers’?
More than likely it is because we have a kindred spirit with them, 
so we know how they struggle with the attacks from Satan, 
and we understand what it takes to encourage them.

In Romans, Paul tells us 
that we should ‘consider’ how we can encourage other believers.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on 
toward love and good deeds, (Hebrews 10:24)
God may not have called us to be a teacher, pastor, or missionary, but He 
has called us all to be encouragers to those who are, and to other believers.

It ‘spurs me on’ whenever I receive feedback from others about how 
one of the Lord’s devotionals I distribute has impacted their lives.
Creating over 1,000 devotionals (and counting) is a daunting task, 
but it has been, and continues to be an enjoyable journey 
with Lord’s help and the encouragement from other believers.

Jesus tells us that when we do ‘good deeds’, 
we are glorifying our Heavenly Father.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may 
see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
That means that every believer has the capability of serving the Lord 
and bringing Him glory – isn’t that an awesome opportunity?

In his letter to Timothy, Paul reminded him 
to encourage the believers to ‘be rich in good deeds’.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, 
and to be generous and willing to share. (1 Timothy 6:18)
When have wealth, we should have a greater propensity to share with others.
We may not have financial wealth to share, but believers should have 
an overflowing desire to do ‘good deeds’, which is shown through our actions.

James tells us that when we do ‘good deeds’ without expecting praise 
and admiration from others, we show that we have wisdom and understanding.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good 
life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13)
When we do ‘good deeds’ with the right mindset, it increases our humbleness 
(which is a characteristic of the Lord we are following)

James tells us that our ‘good deeds’ 
confirm the reality and sincerity of our faith. 
He implies that if ‘good deeds’ are missing in our life, 
then our faith is in question.
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have
faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? (James 2:14)

Peter tells us that when we live good lives, we will have a positive impact 
on the unsaved, even though they denounce us for our faith in the Lord. 
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing 
wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
(1 Peter 2:12)

In his letter to the Galatians, 
Paul says that we should not allow tiredness and discouragement 
to prevent or stop us from doing good.
Instead, we should keep our eyes 
on the reward of ‘reaping a harvest’ for our efforts.
Our ‘harvest’ (at the proper time) could be just one ‘good deed’ away, 
so we should keep doing what is expected of the followers of Jesus Christ.

ACTION:
Maybe you have never realized the importance of doing ‘good deeds’.
It is not only a responsibility, 
but should be a desire your heart, if you are a Christian.
Doing ‘good deeds’ increases your spiritual health, encourages other 
believers, glorifies God, and contributes to His earthy ministry 
of reaching the lost.
If you are struggling to discover and understand what God expects of you, 
start by doing ‘good deeds’, showing love, 
and encouraging others (especially other believers).

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the good deeds You have done for me. 
You have blessed me in so many ways! Show me how to do good deeds 
for others, with a humble heart that does not expect anything in return. 
Help me to feel the joy of encouraging others, glorifying You, and 
contributing to Your efforts of reaching the unsaved. Remind me that as 
a follower of Jesus, good deeds will not save me, but my faith is confirmed 
through my desire to do good deeds, and by doing them.”

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