"Jesus of Nazareth... who went about doing good." Acts 10:38. There is nothing negative about this verse; it does not say, "Who did no harm." There was One who, in His pathway through this world of misery and need, was actively engaged in doing good. His love was unwearied and in spite of rebuffs and even hatred, He "went about doing good." The ungrateful response of those to whom He came is told in the words of the Psalm: "For My love they are My adversaries.... And they have rewarded Me evil for good, and hatred for My love." Psa. 109:4, 5.
Still, that blessed One went steadily forward "doing good," and at last we read of Him weeping over those of that guilty city, not because of His rejection by them, but because of the terrible judgments that were soon to fall on them (Luke 19:41-44).
May we, His redeemed ones, who are left in this same world a little longer be better transcripts of the One to whom we belong—that One who "went about doing good." The needs are great and the "night is far spent." A few verses from Titus may remind us of our opportunities and privileges: “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometime foolish, disobedient, deceived.... But according to His mercy He saved us." Titus 3:1-5.
In Gal. 6:10 it says: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
We must not, however, disregard any direct word or any principle of Scripture in doing good. Here we need to keep a balance and remember that we must "strive lawfully." Our enemy is very subtle and would entangle us with associations and unequal yokes in our seeking to do good. But, fellow-Christians, if we are really seeking to "redeem the time" (it is fast going) and look to Him for His guidance, we shall find abundant opportunities. Then shall we not as "royal priests" dispense royal bounty, and show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light? (1 Peter 2:9.)
P. Wilson
Art thou lonely, oh my brother?
Share your little with another!
Stretch a hand to one unfriended,
And your loneliness is ended