The concept of the "Doer of Good" in the Bible is intricately linked to the character and actions of individuals who embody righteousness, mercy, and obedience to God's commandments. This entry explores the biblical understanding of what it means to be a doer of good, drawing from various scriptural references and theological insights.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding goodness as an attribute of God and a calling for His people. In Micah 6:8, the prophet succinctly summarizes what God requires: "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?" . Here, doing good is associated with justice, mercy, and humility before God.

The Psalms frequently highlight the blessedness of those who do good. Psalm 37:3 encourages believers to "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness" . This verse connects doing good with trust in God and faithfulness, suggesting that righteous actions are rooted in a relationship with the Divine.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, the call to be a doer of good is amplified through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of a doer of good, as He went about healing, teaching, and serving others. Acts 10:38 describes Jesus as one "who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him" .

The Epistle of James emphasizes the importance of being not just hearers of the word, but doers. James 1:22-25 states, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does" . This passage underscores the necessity of translating faith into action.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The ability to do good is not solely a human endeavor but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes goodness: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" . The indwelling of the Holy Spirit enables believers to produce these fruits, reflecting God's character in their lives.

Practical Implications

Being a doer of good involves practical expressions of love and service. In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus describes the righteous as those who feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned. He concludes, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me" . This passage highlights that doing good is an act of service to Christ Himself.

The apostle Paul also exhorts believers to persist in doing good. In Galatians 6:9-10, he writes, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith" . This encouragement speaks to the perseverance required in consistently living out one's faith through good works.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of the doer of good is one who reflects God's character through righteous actions, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and motivated by love and obedience to God's commandments. This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility for believers, as they seek to honor God and serve others in their daily lives.