Do good to everyone, the Book says.

Everyone? we ask.

Do you ever imagine the Holy Spirit just pointing back at the scripture you’re questioning? No? Just me. Well, okay.

Imagine it now. God said everyone, so everyone it is.

Let’s drop back a moment, because there’s a “therefore” in this mix. What’s it there for?

Paul had just gone over the principle of sowing and reaping. He said that those who live only to satisfy their sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. He countered that by speaking of those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

THEN he spoke today’s focus words, telling the believers at Galatia (and us) to do good to everyone whenever we have the opportunity.

I love how the Amplified Version of the Bible opens these words up to us. See, sometimes the original languages don’t really translate into one English word with the same impact. This is Galatians 6:10:

“So then, as occasion and opportunity
open up to us, let us do good, morally,
to all people – not only being useful
or profitable to them, but also doing
what is for their spiritual good and
advantage. Be mindful to be a
blessing, especially to those of the
household of faith – those who belong
to God’s family with you, the
believers.”

Ahh! Doesn’t that open the words up for better understanding?!?

We are to do good to everyone, but the purpose isn’t just to do good. Our purpose, as ever, is to promote their spiritual good, their right standing with God through Christ Jesus.

When we are consistently a blessing to others, we display Jesus. When unbelievers see our peace and joy as we do good, they begin to wonder what we’re made of, why we’re different. They may decide they want what we’ve got and thus their spiritual good is secured when they accept Christ. Every good that we do for them helps lead them to that point.

And Paul kicked in that we’re supposed to be doing this more so for the family of faith. For the same reasons. Even the faithful grow weary and discouraged. We must live this principle for our spiritual family, doing moral good for them and helping them for their spiritual good.

But Faye! That gets SO tiring! I can’t just keep doing it!

Of course you can’t! That’s why you work hand in hand with the Holy Spirit. Plus, if I’m doing my part and you’re doing your part and all believers are doing their part, this load becomes exponentially lighter.

Today is a good day to put our God-Goggles on to see those around us as God does, then set about doing good for everyone, because it’s the right thing to do and for their spiritual good.

Coffee, Bible, Journal.