In the verses of prior to this, Paul wrote of the law of sowing and reaping. He made it clear that those who sowed seeds that pleased their own selfish and sinful nature would reap death and decay, while those who sowed seeds from a desire to please God would reap blessings and everlasting life.

Then he wrote, “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”

Whenever there’s a “therefore” we need to include what was said previously, so what we see here is SINCE we who are believers understand the principle of sowing and reaping, we should use every opportunity to to do good morally to ALL people—not only being useful and profitable to them, but doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage. Continuing, we must be mindful to be a blessing to all, but ESPECIALLY those who belong to God’s family—believers.

There you have it. We’re to be people of integrity to every person we come in contact with. We’re to watch out for the spiritual good and advantage of all people—even when they don’t care. We’re to use every opportunity—at the grocery store, at work, at the gas station, at the school, at the mall, in the parking lots, on the interstate, at the beach, at the theme park, online… everywhere.

Beyond that, we’re to be especially mindful, intentional, about doing the same and more for those who are believers.

John recorded Jesus speaking to this very concept in his gospel in chapter 15:35, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Sadly, the infighting in the Family of God is revealing something vastly different, but that’s a topic for another day.

Let’s get moving on this concept today:
• Utilize every opportunity to do good for people.
• Be attentive.
• Be prepared.
• Look around you to see who you can help, knowing that what you do can affect their spiritual life.
• And as you come in contact with other believers, be an extra special blessing—even if they’re in a different church or denomination. (Yeah, I went there.)

Let’s prove to the world that we really are followers of Jesus!

Coffee, Bible, Journal.

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Faye Bryant is an author, coach, and speaker who helps individuals escape the lies of the enemy, live into God’s truth, and build a better life by first feeling, dealing, and healing their way through a stuck future or an abused past, toward a deeper path of purpose, and into the unhackable life of their chosen legacy.  Hers is a story of resurrection: from death to life!