How can we follow Jesus' example of "doing good" in our daily lives? Seeing the Verse Clearly “Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38) What “Doing Good” Looked Like in Jesus’ Ministry • He was led by the Spirit in every moment • He sought out the hurting and marginalized • He combined words of truth with acts of mercy • He met practical needs—feeding, healing, comforting • He confronted evil and oppression decisively • He never separated good deeds from the message of salvation Foundational Principles for Us Today • Indwelling Spirit—Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:25 • Servant heart—Mark 10:45 • Compassion first—Matthew 9:36 • Holiness and love together—Ephesians 4:24, 32 • Glory to God, not self—Matthew 5:16 Practical Steps for Daily Life 1. Daily Surrender – Begin each morning yielding plans, asking the Spirit to guide opportunities for good. 2. See and Stop – Slow down enough to notice needs: a coworker’s stress, a neighbor’s loneliness, the hunger at your local shelter. 3. Speak Life – Offer Scripture, encouragement, honest prayer commitments. Proverbs 18:21 reminds words carry life or death. 4. Give Tangibly – Budget generosity: meals, rides, childcare, unexpected bills (James 2:16). 5. Defend the Oppressed – Use influence to stand up against bullying, exploitation, gossip (Isaiah 1:17). 6. Practice Hospitality – Open your home, table, and schedule (Romans 12:13). 7. Work with Excellence – Colossians 3:23: faithful labor is “doing good” that blesses co-workers and clients. 8. Keep the Gospel Central – Good works pave the way for the good news; share Christ when doors open (1 Peter 3:15). 9. Persevere – “Let us not grow weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). Obstacles and How to Overcome Them • Busyness → Build margin; schedule service like appointments. • Fear of Rejection → Remember God is with you, as with Jesus (Acts 10:38). • Discouragement → Rehearse God’s promises; reward is certain (Hebrews 6:10). • Self-Focus → Fast from comforts; cultivate empathy through listening. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Ephesians 2:10—created for good works prepared beforehand • Titus 2:14—purified “to be zealous for good deeds” • James 1:27—pure religion cares for orphans and widows • 1 Peter 2:21—called to follow His steps • Colossians 3:17—do everything in Jesus’ name, giving thanks Living Out the Goodness of Christ As Jesus “went around doing good,” so we, filled with the same Spirit, step into ordinary moments with extraordinary love. When the world sees consistent, humble acts of goodness tied to the name of Christ, it tastes and trusts that “the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8). |
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