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Answer
Galatians 6:10 states, “So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are part of the household of faith” (ESV). The King James Version uses the term men, but the intention includes all individuals.
Christians are instructed to “make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness” «And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; », (2 Peter 1:5). It is important for us to be recognized for our acts of goodness. When people think of Christians, they should immediately associate them with honor, integrity, kindness, and benevolent actions. The concept of doing good to everyone resonates with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our light shines when we emulate Jesus’ practice of doing good wherever we are «how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. », (Acts 10:38).
In our endeavor to do good, we should not neglect the emphasis Paul places in Galatians 6:10. While we are called to do good to all, we are specifically urged to prioritize the family of believers. Our treatment of fellow believers is a reflection of our faith: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” «By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. », (John 13:35). This love for the family of God manifests itself through acts of kindness and charity «But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love
of God in him? », (1 John 3:17) and is, in fact, one proof of salvation «He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. », (1 John 2:9). We start doing good unto all men by softening our hearts toward our brothers and sisters in Christ and dedicating ourselves to their well-being, as though it were our own.
Part of doing good to all men is that we don’t return evil for evil «Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. », (Romans 12:17). Jesus called us to set aside our natural reaction when someone wrongs us. Instead, we are to repay evil with good «Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.», (Romans 12:21). This was written by someone living under the tyranny of Emperor Nero. Christians were being persecuted, their property seized, and their lives taken (Acts 8:4;Hebrews 10:33-34). So the command was not given lightly. Paul understood what that meant for Roman Christians. But he also knew that, when we return good for evil, we are allowing God to bring His righteous judgment upon the evildoers instead of taking matters into our own hands «For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. », (Hebrews 10:30).
Another way we do good unto all men is that we actively search for ways we can bless people. Throughout history, Christians have led the way in building orphanages, founding schools, andFunding hospitals, establishing water wells, and addressing the practical needs of individuals. Numerous Christian organizations worldwide were established to rescue individuals trapped in human trafficking, provide nourishment to undernourished children, and offer assistance to the suffering and persecuted. The majority of Christian missionaries work in foreign countries, enduring significant personal sacrifices in terms of their finances and families. They do so in obedience to Jesus’ instruction to spread the gospel globally «Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: », (Matthew 28:19). They extend kindness to those unable to reciprocate. By following Jesus’ teachings from Matthew 6:3–4: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Engaging in acts of kindness can commence today, even with small gestures. Regardless of our circumstances, there is always a way to perform a good deed for someone, bringing glory to God. A small act of kindness is preferable to none and can indeed have a significant impact. As Samuel Johnson once said, “He who waits to do a great deal of good at once will never do any.”
