Seizing Every Opportunity to Do Good

9/29/2024

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." - Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

Paul’s letter to the Galatians is one of exhortation and correction, calling the believers in Galatia to return to the truth of the gospel. Paul is emphasizing the importance of living out our faith through good works, but he roots this in the reality of life in the Spirit, not in the works of the flesh.

Leta me break down today’s verse and teach on that.

“As we have opportunity…”

This phrase reminds us that we live in a world filled with opportunities that are God designed moments to do good. Paul isn’t talking about waiting for some grand occasion but being sensitive to the everyday chances God places in our paths. Every day offers moments where we can serve, encourage, or help someone. These moments may seem small, but Paul teaches us to recognize them as divine opportunities.

It also implies that time is finite. “Opportunity” in Greek (kairos) refers not just to time but to a season or appointed time. We won’t always have the same opportunities tomorrow that we have today, so Paul encourages us to act with urgency and discernment, understanding that the chance to do good may pass if we delay.

Living with a sensitivity to God's timing encourages us to seize moments we might otherwise overlook. Ask God for the wisdom and awareness to see these opportunities in your day-to-day life.

“Let us do good…”

The command to “do good” speaks to a life of practical, outward righteousness. This goodness goes beyond moral uprightness; it extends to acts of kindness, generosity, service, and love toward others. The “good” here is not about personal gain or public recognition but about expressing the love of Christ through tangible actions.

Paul had just outlined the principle of sowing and reaping in the previous verses. When we “do good,” we are sowing seeds that will produce a harvest, not only in the lives of others but in our own spiritual growth as well. Doing good is both a responsibility and a privilege for the believer. It is our way of participating in God’s redemptive work in the world.

Good works are the fruit of a life transformed by Christ. When we “do good,” we are reflecting God’s character to the world. Consider how your actions today can plant seeds of hope, love, and faith in others.

“To all people…”

Paul’s call to do good isn’t restricted to the church; it’s expansive. We are to do good to ALL PEOPLE, reflecting the impartial love of God. Jesus modeled this when He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and extended mercy to sinners, regardless of who they were. As His followers, we are called to follow that example, regardless of race, gender, status, or background.

Doing good to all people includes both believers and unbelievers. When we love and serve nonbelievers, we display the love of Christ in a way that draws them toward the gospel. This includes simple acts of kindness in our communities, workplaces, and homes, showing the world what the kingdom of God looks like in action.

Consider the broader community around you—how can you intentionally do good to those outside the church? What acts of kindness could draw others toward Christ?

“…especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

While we are called to do good to all, Paul makes a point to say that we should prioritize the family of believers. The body of Christ is to be a witness of love, unity, and mutual care. When we take care of one another within the church, we strengthen the bond of fellowship and reflect the love of God to the world.

The early church was known for its radical love and care for one another. Acts 2:44-45 describes believers sharing everything in common, ensuring no one was in need. This kind of mutual care builds up the body of Christ and makes the church a safe, supportive community where believers can thrive spiritually.

We have a special responsibility to care for one another in the church. How are you helping to strengthen the community of believers in your local church? What practical steps can you take to show love to your brothers and sisters in Christ?

So, in a nutshell, Paul teaches that our faith in Christ should naturally flow into good works, which are to be directed toward both believers and non-believers. Every day presents us with opportunities to do good, and as believers, we are called to be aware of these moments and act upon them. While we are to serve the world at large, Paul highlights the importance of caring for fellow believers, ensuring that the church is a place where love, generosity, and support are constantly present.

Here are a few things to ponder:

1. How can you be more intentional in recognizing the opportunities God gives you each day to do good?

2. Is there someone in your life, whether in the church or outside of it, who could use an act of kindness today?

3. What steps can you take to prioritize caring for your brothers and sisters in Christ in practical ways?

Lord, thank You for the opportunities You give us each day to do good. Help us to live with eyes open to the needs around us, and give us the courage to act when we see those opportunities. Empower us to be generous, kind, and loving toward all people, but especially toward our fellow believers. Strengthen our churches to be places of unity and care, and may our good works reflect Your goodness to the world. Help us not to grow weary in doing good, trusting that You will bring about a harvest in due season. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Pastor Jeff

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