How can we encourage others to act on the good they know?

Grounding Ourselves in the Text

“Therefore, whoever knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.” (James 4:17)

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Why Acting on Known Good Matters

- Sin is not only doing wrong; it is also refusing to do right.

- Knowledge heightens accountability (Luke 12:47-48).

- Obedience showcases genuine faith (John 14:15).

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Ways to Encourage Others to Act on the Good They Know

• Model Visible Obedience

– Let “your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds” (Matthew 5:16).

– Authentic, everyday obedience gives credibility to any encouragement we offer.

• Speak Truth in Love

– “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

– Gentle reminders anchored in Scripture keep exhortation from sounding like nagging.

• Highlight God’s Promises over Fear

– “Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap a harvest” (Galatians 6:9).

– Reassure them that obedience is never wasted effort in God’s economy.

• Offer Practical Help

– Share resources, time, skills, or accountability so acting on good feels attainable.

– “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

• Celebrate Small Steps of Faithfulness

– Publicly thank God for their obedience; private notes of encouragement also strengthen resolve.

– Joy attached to obedience breeds more obedience.

• Pray Behind the Scenes

– Ask the Lord to “equip you in every good thing to do His will” (Hebrews 13:21).

– Intercession invites divine power where human resolve may falter.

• Keep Pointing Back to Christ’s Example

– He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38) and finished the work the Father gave Him (John 17:4).

– His faithfulness motivates and empowers ours.

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The Sobering Reminder and the Inspiring Hope

– Ignoring known good remains sin (James 4:17).

– Obedience unlocks fellowship, fruitfulness, and eternal reward (John 15:10-11; 1 Corinthians 3:14).

By grounding encouragement in Scripture, exemplifying obedience, and walking alongside others, we help them move from knowing the good to joyfully doing it.