In what ways can we actively "do good" within our communities? Scripture Focus “He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Peter 3:11) Turning Away from Evil: The Starting Point • “Turn away” is a decisive break. We actively reject gossip, dishonesty, sexual immorality, and every practice Scripture brands as sin (Romans 12:9). • Repentance opens space for positive action; the absence of evil creates margin for the presence of good. Doing Good: A Command with Hands and Feet • The verb “do” is present-tense—ongoing, not a one-time project. • Good works are pre-planned by God: “We are God’s workmanship…to do good works, which God prepared in advance” (Ephesians 2:10). • Our motive is gospel gratitude, not self-promotion (Matthew 5:16). Seek Peace and Pursue It • Peace rarely drifts into a neighborhood; it is chased. • Peacemaking means refusing retaliation, mediating conflicts, and greeting enemies with kindness (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18). • Community tension is an invitation for believers to step forward, not step back. Practical Ways to Do Good in the Community Spiritual Care – Pray regularly for leaders, schools, first responders, and neighbors (1 Timothy 2:1-2). – Offer to study Scripture with seekers; share the gospel clearly (Matthew 28:19-20). Mercy Ministries – Provide meals, groceries, or gift cards to families in crisis (Matthew 25:35). – Visit shut-ins, hospital patients, prisoners, and the lonely (Matthew 25:36). – Organize clothing or blanket drives as seasons change (James 2:15-16). Peacemaking & Reconciliation – Host neighborhood forums where concerns can be voiced respectfully. – Volunteer as a mentor or coach, modeling godly conflict resolution. – Step between quarreling parties with gentle words and fair listening (Proverbs 15:1). Advocacy & Justice – Speak up for the unborn, the trafficked, the disabled, the elderly (Proverbs 31:8-9). – Support crisis-pregnancy centers, foster-care programs, and adoption funds. – Write or call officials when biblical justice is threatened (Micah 6:8). Everyday Kindness – Tip generously; thank service workers by name. – Mow an elderly neighbor’s lawn or shovel snow unasked. – Welcome internationals with language help, meals, and friendship (Leviticus 19:34). Generosity & Stewardship – Budget for benevolence; set aside a “good-works fund” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). – Share tools, vehicles, or skills freely: repairs, tutoring, childcare. – Partner with local schools—supply drives, reading programs, campus clean-ups. Other Biblical Calls to Active Goodness • “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) • “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.” (Galatians 6:10) • “Faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” (James 2:17) Gospel-Motivated Good Works Christ’s finished work secures our standing; our good works display it. The community sees tangible evidence of an invisible Savior when believers consistently “do good.” In this way, “they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Living It Out This Week 1. Identify one neighbor in need; meet a concrete need by Friday. 2. Initiate reconciliation where tension exists—send the text, make the call. 3. Set an alarm to pray daily for city leaders and first responders. 4. Contribute time or resources to one local mercy ministry. The command is clear, the opportunities are endless, and the Lord is faithful to use every act of goodness for His glory and our neighbors’ good. |
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