Do Good Anyway

As Christians, we’re to do good in our lives; but doing the right thing can be difficult sometimes—exhausting even. What then? How can we do good anyway?

Doing the right thing is easier when we feel fulfilled or appreciated for it. There’s a sense of accomplishment in doing a good deed and seeing the results.

We’re to “learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:17). Practicing these things can have some really rewarding results. And naturally, we’re encouraged when we see positive outcomes from our efforts.

But it’s not always that easy. God holds us to a higher standard. We need to do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do, even when we’re unappreciated or, worse, persecuted for it.

Our challenge

In Matthew 5:44 God tells us to “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Trying to genuinely love someone who mistreats us is an extremely difficult task.

Still, we must not “grow weary while doing good” (Galatians 6:9). That’s easier said than done. If life punishes us for doing good, how do we keep from growing weary? The answer comes in the second part of Galatians 6:9: “… in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Your reward

Sure, “thank you” and “nice job” are satisfying acknowledgments for our good deeds. But when we don’t get a pat on the back from mankind—and when we don’t expect one either—we can be encouraged knowing God sees.

He promises to reward us when we do the right thing, even at our own expense: “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great” (Luke 6:35).

When we patiently “do good and suffer” (1 Peter 2:20), we’re building a foundation for the future and a reward that Jesus Christ will bring with Him. “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12). This reward involves our positions of service in the Kingdom of God.

People in this current, physical life may not remember our good works; but God does. So even when we feel unappreciated, exhausted or even persecuted—let’s do good anyway.

For further insight into our future reward, read “My Reward Is With Me” and “The Reward of Living a Righteous Life.”