Living Out God's Goodness预览

Good Deeds Toward Others

What do you do for others that’s considered a good deed?

How awesome it is when someone does a good deed for you, especially when you don't expect it. Yet, it's easy at times to see a need in another person's life and think, "Someone else will help." All of us are guilty of this type of response; however, we have the power to act and perform good deeds. This power is available to us when we rely on God.

Proverbs 3:27 NIV commands us: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” All of us can perform good deeds if we ask God to help us. True, consistent goodness, however, springs from the hearts of people who have God’s power living in them.

Did you know that it is God’s Holy Spirit who empowers you to exhibit goodness?  First, you must listen in your heart to His still, small voice. Then, follow His guidance and obey as He instructs you. The Holy Spirit speaks to us today, just as He did in Biblical times, about the need to do good deeds for others.

David was a mighty warrior and king. He had great wealth, power, and fame and he wrote many of the psalms. The Bible says David had a heart like God’s heart. In Psalm 51:10 David pleas: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Good deeds toward others demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. And, when we show goodness, we are being obedient to God.

Take a look at Luke 6:31. Jesus says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Living a life of goodness means changing the way you think. Most people choose to look out for "#1" — themselves! But, if you ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to think of others first, He will. Think of all the good deeds you can "do to others as you would have them do to you."

What good deed will you plan to do for someone?