Doing the Right Thing
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Definition and Importance
Doing the right thing, from a biblical perspective, involves acting in accordance with God's commandments and principles. It is a reflection of righteousness, integrity, and obedience to God's will. The Bible emphasizes the importance of moral and ethical behavior as a testament to one's faith and relationship with God.

Biblical Foundation
The concept of doing the right thing is deeply rooted in Scripture. In Micah 6:8 , the prophet succinctly states, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse encapsulates the essence of righteous living, highlighting justice, mercy, and humility as key components.

Old Testament Examples
The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified doing the right thing. Joseph, for instance, demonstrated integrity and faithfulness in Genesis 39 when he resisted the advances of Potiphar's wife, choosing to honor God rather than succumb to temptation. Similarly, Daniel's unwavering commitment to prayer and adherence to God's laws, even in the face of persecution (Daniel 6), serves as a powerful example of righteousness.

New Testament Teachings
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate model of righteousness. His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) provide a comprehensive guide to ethical living. Jesus emphasizes the importance of internal purity and sincerity, urging His followers to go beyond mere external compliance with the law. In Matthew 5:16 , He instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

The Apostle Paul also addresses the importance of doing the right thing in his epistles. In Galatians 6:9 , he encourages believers, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This exhortation underscores the value of perseverance in righteous actions.

Challenges and Encouragement
While the Bible provides clear guidance on doing the right thing, believers often face challenges in a world that may not always value or reward righteousness. The Apostle Peter acknowledges this struggle in 1 Peter 3:14 , stating, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened."

The Scriptures offer encouragement and assurance that God sees and rewards those who pursue righteousness. Hebrews 6:10 reminds believers, "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them."

Practical Application
Doing the right thing involves daily decisions and actions that align with biblical principles. It requires discernment, prayer, and a commitment to living out one's faith authentically. Believers are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-14), influencing others through their example of integrity and righteousness.

In summary, doing the right thing is a fundamental aspect of Christian living, rooted in obedience to God's commandments and exemplified by biblical figures throughout Scripture. It is a testament to one's faith and a reflection of God's character in the world.
Topical Bible Verses
James 4:17
Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.
Topicalbible.org

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Topicalbible.org

1 Samuel 15:1-35
Samuel also said to Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint you to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore listen you to the voice of the words of the LORD.
Topicalbible.org

Library

The Right Hand and the Left.
... left hand. His doing must not invite his after-thinking. The right hand
must let the thing done go, as a thing done-with. We must ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/the right hand and the.htm

Knowledge and Obedience.
... Still more, how much joy would be experienced and how much genuine service rendered,
if we were always saying and doing the right thing, at the right time, in ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/v knowledge and obedience.htm

The Word of the Truth of the Gospel
... as it is every man's duty to love God and to keep his statutes, yet you must not
delude yourself with the idea that you are doing the right thing, when you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter vii the word of.htm

Finger-Posts
... He could understand that Jesus must be doing the right thing, even though he could
not understand the run of events that centred about Jesus. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/finger-posts.htm

God's Controversy with Man. Rev. Charles Prest.
... What is convenient?" than "What is right?" There is an expediency taught in the
Bible, but it is nothing more than the best way of doing the right thing. ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/gods controversy with man rev.htm

Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision
... the exhortation lies in the last words, "Walk before me," by which I understand
an habitual sense of the presence of God, or doing the right thing and shunning ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/consecration to godillustrated by abrahams.htm

Caught Unawares
... of the things he had been doing were things he would not want to be found doing
at the ... It is one thing to decide that a certain thing is right and quite ...
/.../byrum/how john became a man/chapter ix caught unawares.htm

The Right to Feel Superior
... of those old missionaries were imperialistic, all right!" A slight ... restaurant for
a meal, the first thing they do ... the feeling that his ways of doing things are ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 10 the right to.htm

The Want of Power to Believe
... are mixing up something with the right thing, which will ... of remaining ability is
the very thing that repels ... you have some strength in doing something, - and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter x the want of.htm

Buying the Truth
... does the right thing, fears no man, and lifts his head boldly in the face of all
creation if it dares to whisper that it will enrich him by his doing wrong ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/buying the truth.htm

Resources
What is the value of doing a word study in understanding the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the flesh? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to do good unto all men in Galatians 6:10? | GotQuestions.org

Doing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Doing

Doing Drugs

Doing for Others

Doing Gods Will

Doing Good Deeds

Doing the Right Thing

Doing Works

Related Terms

Well-doing (9 Occurrences)

Wrong-doing (4 Occurrences)

Right-doing (1 Occurrence)

Evil-doing (106 Occurrences)

Profits (19 Occurrences)

Act (204 Occurrences)

Repenteth (13 Occurrences)

Senseless (22 Occurrences)

Pride (277 Occurrences)

Marvellous (36 Occurrences)

Evil-doer (88 Occurrences)

Completion (40 Occurrences)

Pleasing (185 Occurrences)

Kindness (295 Occurrences)

Becomes (138 Occurrences)

Encourage (34 Occurrences)

Deeds (309 Occurrences)

Damage (57 Occurrences)

Duty (90 Occurrences)

Perform (155 Occurrences)

Sinful (61 Occurrences)

Error (90 Occurrences)

Commander (111 Occurrences)

Drinking (114 Occurrences)

Bondman (108 Occurrences)

Vile (59 Occurrences)

Belief (61 Occurrences)

Keeping (282 Occurrences)

Causing (248 Occurrences)

Says (1491 Occurrences)

Declaring (48 Occurrences)

Pursuing (50 Occurrences)

Conscious (93 Occurrences)

Sinning (59 Occurrences)

Burning (415 Occurrences)

Regarding (33 Occurrences)

Round-house (6 Occurrences)

Returns (27 Occurrences)

Evil-minded (1 Occurrence)

Evil-doings (5 Occurrences)

Establishing (18 Occurrences)

Encouraging (12 Occurrences)

Dropped (52 Occurrences)

Desisting (1 Occurrence)

Magnifying (6 Occurrences)

Master's (52 Occurrences)

Priestly (16 Occurrences)

Pledge (55 Occurrences)

Polluting (8 Occurrences)

Propitious (12 Occurrences)

Prefects (18 Occurrences)

Prohibit (1 Occurrence)

Passions (26 Occurrences)

Pots (30 Occurrences)

Bodies (144 Occurrences)

Bite (13 Occurrences)

Consumption (20 Occurrences)

Actions (62 Occurrences)

Ability (34 Occurrences)

Avoids (3 Occurrences)

Commands (216 Occurrences)

Shovels (9 Occurrences)

Sharing (18 Occurrences)

Stupid (20 Occurrences)

Stray (12 Occurrences)

Shrewd (14 Occurrences)

Atonement (112 Occurrences)

Due (93 Occurrences)

Plow (11 Occurrences)

Breaking (69 Occurrences)

Decisions (133 Occurrences)

Souls (114 Occurrences)

Sort (143 Occurrences)

Basins (33 Occurrences)

Rewards (26 Occurrences)

Best (252 Occurrences)

Curse (211 Occurrences)

Silence (80 Occurrences)

Doing No Harm to Others
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