Doing Good: Living Out the Goodness of God
In the Christian walk, we often hear the call to “do good.” But what does it really mean to live a good life? Is it just about kind acts, or is there something deeper that connects our actions to our faith? The Bible shows us that doing good is not only a reflection of God’s character but also a divine expectation for His followers. It’s a call to align our lives with the goodness of God, allowing our actions to flow from a transformed heart.
Let’s explore what it means to do good, the connection between being and doing, and how we can apply this principle in our daily lives.
The Foundation of Doing Good
The concept of doing good is rooted in God’s very nature. From the beginning, God’s creation was declared “very good” (Genesis 1:31, NLT). His works reflect His goodness, and as His children, we are called to emulate this in our lives. Psalm 145:9 reminds us, “The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation” (NLT). God’s goodness is impartial and unconditional—a model for how we should treat others.
In Acts 10:38, we read about Jesus:
“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (NLT).
Jesus’ ministry exemplifies what it means to do good, not as random acts of kindness but as a consistent lifestyle rooted in His identity as God’s Son. For believers, this same call is echoed in Galatians 6:9-10:
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith” (NLT).
This call to perseverance reminds us that doing good isn’t always easy, but it is essential to living out our faith.
The Connection Between Being and Doing
While doing good is an outward expression of faith, it begins with an inward transformation. Who we are shapes what we do. Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 capture this truth:
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (NLT).
True goodness flows from a renewed mind and a heart aligned with God. Without this foundation, our actions risk becoming superficial, driven by obligation or a desire for recognition. But when the Holy Spirit shapes our character, doing good becomes a natural extension of who we are in Christ.
Paul further illustrates this in Galatians 5:22–23 with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes goodness:
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (NLT).
Goodness, as a fruit of the Spirit, is both a state of being and an action. It is not something we manufacture on our own; it is the evidence of God’s work within us.
Practical Ways to Do Good
Understanding the biblical call to goodness is important, but how do we live it out in practical terms? Here are a few ways to incorporate doing good into your everyday life:
Respond to Needs with Compassion
The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25–37 offers a timeless example of doing good. The Samaritan didn’t plan to be a hero; he simply saw someone in need and responded with compassion, even when it was inconvenient.
In our lives, doing good might look like helping a neighbor in need, volunteering time at a local charity, or offering a listening ear to someone who is hurting. These acts, though simple, reflect God’s love and care.
Be Intentional in Small Moments
Doing good doesn’t always require grand gestures. Often, it’s in the small, everyday decisions—choosing patience with a difficult coworker, speaking kindly when tempted to criticize, or forgiving when it’s easier to hold a grudge.
When we approach these moments with intentionality, we create habits of goodness that impact the people around us.
Serve Without Seeking Recognition
In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus warns against doing good deeds for public applause:
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven” (NLT).
True goodness comes from a heart that seeks to honor God, not impress others. Whether anyone notices or not, our faithfulness in doing good pleases God and reflects His character.
Overcoming Challenges in Doing Good
Despite our best intentions, doing good can be challenging. Fear, doubt, and the pressures of daily life often distract us from living out our calling. But Scripture provides encouragement for these moments.
Facing Fear with Faith
Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (NLT).
When fear holds us back from stepping out in faith, we can trust in God’s power to equip us for the work He calls us to do.
Persevering Through Weariness
It’s easy to grow weary in doing good, especially when results are not immediately visible. Galatians 6:9 encourages us to remain steadfast:
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (NLT).
Trusting in God’s timing gives us the strength to persevere, knowing our efforts are never in vain.
An Eternal Perspective on Doing Good
The ultimate motivation for doing good goes beyond immediate impact. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40 that when we serve others, we are serving Him.
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” (NLT).
Our good deeds not only reflect God’s love but also store up treasures in heaven. They leave a legacy that points others to Christ, inspiring future generations to live for His glory.
Conclusion: A Life of Goodness
Doing good is not a random checklist of actions but a lifestyle rooted in our identity as God’s children. As we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts, goodness flows naturally, impacting the world around us.
Let’s embrace the call to do good, not for personal recognition but to glorify God. May we reflect His love and goodness in every act, trusting that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
Reflection Questions
How does your understanding of God’s goodness influence your actions?
What small opportunities to do good can you embrace today?
How can you overcome challenges like fear or weariness in your efforts to do good?
May your journey of doing good be marked by joy, perseverance, and the unmistakable reflection of God’s love.
Excerpted from The Jesus Style Life: A Practical Guide To Live In The Style of Jesus by Iann Schonken (2024). Click for more information here:
Fantastic, Iann. I'm so glad we connected. Thank you for these reminders.