Monday, July 16, 2012

Why Do You Do Good?

You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached -- how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. -- Acts 10:37-38

Why do you do good things for other people? Do you expect something in return? Maybe that they’ll do something good for you? Or that you’ll be recognized and praised?

Jesus simply went around doing good things for people. So, therefore, should we. Not because we get anything in return, but because He showed us how to live.

I overheard a fuss the other day that really had me shaking my head. One woman had given numerous vegetables to another. She had an abundance and she shared. That was a wonderful thing.

Well, the situation had reversed itself. Now the woman who received had an abundance and the woman who had given did not. Except this woman didn’t want to share. She was downright stingy, finally telling the woman she could have two or three tomatoes but that was all. Needless to say, her friend told her keep them.

There were hurt feelings all around. The first woman gave generously -- but not freely. There was an unspoken requirement with her gift: You will share with me as I have shared with you. Obviously, the second woman should have shared just as freely as the first woman, not because it was “required” but because it was the right thing to do.

Aren’t our gifts usually the same? We attach unspoken expectations to our gifts rather than give freely because we can. We buy a friend a birthday present because we expect one in return on our birthday. We lend someone a tool and we expect to be able to borrow a tool when we need it. We give financially to a worthy cause and we expect a nice tax deduction and public recognition.

We are so accustomed to the give and take of our lives that we don’t realize we’ve missed the point. Giving to others, doing good, isn’t about what we might get in return. That road can only lead to anger and disappointment and hurt feelings. We should give because Jesus gave. It really is that simple.

Jesus gave to others because He loved them. He loves us. And because He loves us and we love Him, we should care for those who belong to Him and to the lost and the hurting. We should show His love, not because we expect something in return but because we represent Jesus and His love on this earth.

So why do you do good to others? Think about it. Examine your motivations. And ask Jesus to open your eyes and your heart to do good things for others just because of Him.