“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
—Galatians 6:10
REGARDING THE 8th Commandment, the Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 111, reads as follows, “But what does God require of you in this Commandment? That I further my neighbor’s good where I can and may, deal with him as I would have others deal with me, and labor faithfully, so that I may be able to help the poor in their need.” Christians are called to labor with their own hands at a good work to supply not only their own needs, but also the needs of fellow believers (Eph. 4:28). We read in Hebrews 13:16: “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
THE BIBLICAL DOCTRINE of giving is contrary to the ungodly world in which we live. This fallen world is full of the sons of the Devil (John 8:44) who are walking in darkness because they have been taken captive by Satan to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26; Acts 26:18). They are recognized by their godless speech, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9). But the Christian does not walk in darkness. He has been translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light of God’s dear Son for obedience unto the Faith (Eph. 2:10) that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude vs. 3). Scripture is clear, we are born again by the Spirit of God in order that we might be our brother’s servant. “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
WHAT ABOUT YOU? Are you zealous to be a “vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). Do you have generous hands that supply for those who have needs? Do you view your labor as not only supplying your own needs but also the needs of others in your church as well? As Christians we must keep in mind the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). When was the last time you invited a widow in your church or neighborhood to your home for a meal? “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).
HOW DO WE demonstrate the love of Christ to others if not by practical deeds of kindness? “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men” (Titus 3:8). And John tells us in 1 John 3:18-19, “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.” Are we too busy or too burdened to walk in obedience to the commands of our Lord to care for the sheep of His pasture? Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
THEREFORE, GIVE OF your time, talents, and treasure for the glory of God and the good of His church. Only in this way will we be able to heed the words of our text, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
Friday Devotional: August 30, 2024
In Christ,
Pastor S. Henry