Doing Good...

     Paul writes, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10 NIV).  We find this verse in the context of Paul challenging the believers throughout Galatia to carry each other's burdens, to be humble and to be responsible for one's own work or pack.  He follows that by telling them that God is not mocked.  Whatever a man sows, that's what he'll reap.  In the ninth verse he warns them not to become weary in doing good and notes the promise of a harvest for those who do not give up.  Clearly, the admonition here is to continue to good to all, especially to other Christians.  

     I thought about the idea of "doing good to others" quite a bit while cutting the grass at the church and parsonage today.  The world in which we live is not to concerned with "doing good" to others.  However, there are a few little reminders of "good" out there. 

     ---Someone held the door for a couple of people to leave the convenience store today.

     ---A person gave up their spot to another who was in a hurry at the gas station.

     ---A guy jump-started a car for a lady whose battery had died. 

     These are not "big" things and none of them will make USA Today or The Columbus Post Dispatch.  I noticed them, though.  I think maybe God did, too. 

     Doing "good" to others, however, is not the entire message of that passage.  We are to do good, "especially to those who belong to the family of believers."   As hard as it is to understand why,  I think this may be more difficult than simply doing good to others.   I suppose there are a couple of reasons why I think this.  First, I think many times we get impatient, frustrated and angry with those with whom we are the closest.  We may expect them to do more or better than just the average person and when they don't we're apt to criticize.  Also, we may think they don't need any particular encouragement or "good treatment."   The second reason is a bit more harsh, but I think it is true, too.  Sometimes we just don't like our brothers or sisters in Christ, so we, at best, ignore them or, at worst, fight with them.   I can already hear what some of you are thinking.  Wait a minute, Thomas.  I don't have to like everyone.  I love them, but I don't have to like them.   I guess that's true, but here's a simple question.  Have you really tried liking them?  Have you forgiven as you want to be forgiven so you can begin again?   Have you tried to find that which Jesus Christ put in them that makes them unique and good for service in the Kingdom?    It's true that we may not like everyone.  I don't think that's possible.  It might be good, though, for us to like more and follow that by doing good.   Think about it. 

     Thanks for reading and have a blessed day...