Displaying the Goodness of the Father

Daily Devotional: Day 159

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10, NKJV).

We often say, “God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good.” This is true. Naturally, it follows that, as children of God, we are by association, called to display the goodness of God. While in this world, Jesus taught us by word and example the character of the Father. As followers of Jesus, this is our calling, too: to display the goodness of the Father. In Matthew 5:16, for example, Jesus commands us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (emphasis added). It doesn’t get clearer than that. Jesus wants us to do good works for people to see that they may glorify our Father in heaven. All glory goes to the Father, not to us; but it’s important that our good deeds are open for all to see. We are in this world to display – through our good works – how good God is.

Toward the end of his Letter to the Galatians, Paul urged the believers to persevere in doing good. Why? Because whatever we sow, we shall reap. If we sow goodness, we shall reap goodness. Whatever we sow shall return to us. Therefore, let’s be careful what we’re sowing in this life. Paul continues to say that while we have opportunity, we should do good to all, especially our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Notice that God wants us to do good to all people, not some people. But the Bible emphasizes that we should remember especially those who are of the household of faith. As members of God’s family, displaying the goodness of God starts with how we treat each other.

When you see an opportunity to do good, remember that it’s an opportunity for you to show the character of your Father in heaven. Don’t hesitate. And don’t make excuses. If you avoid an opportunity to do good, you’re avoiding God’s blessing. Don’t look for reasons or excuses to avoid doing good. Rather, look for reasons to do good. This is your divine mandate. Consider it a great honor to be given the opportunity to display in this world the character of the good Father. Make your Father proud.

The peace of God be upon you and all that belong to you. Amen.

For further study: Ephesians 2:1-10