Rich in Good Deeds

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

Have you been inspired lately by people doing good deeds? We hear a lot of stories right now of people responding to the tragic plight of people suffering the results of the earthquake in Haiti. We ask ourselves, "What can I do? What should I do... to live beyond myself... for the good of others?"

I've also been inspired by a young mom who's expecting her third and yet finds the time and energy to bring meals and baking to others. I'm inspired by older women who regularly go to visit the elderly in care facilities. I'm inspired by people who see beyond the task of what they are engaged in at home or work, and notice and respond to someone needing help, a loving touch, or a friendly smile. Life in the ordinary is full of opportunities to do good.

Do what is right and good in the Lord's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers. Deuteronomy 6:18

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Psalm 37:3

I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. Ecclesiastes 3:12

I found all these verses (and more) when I typed in the words "do good" and then "good deeds" in the word search at http://www.blueletterbible.org
Ask the Holy Spirit - through God's Word - to inspire you to do good as you read these verses.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

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

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 2 Tim 2:21

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good. Titus 3:1

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. James 4:17

So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 2 Peter 4:19

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 2 Peter 2:12

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:18

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13

Father, show me what you have for me to do...for Your glory and the benefit of those around me. You, our Gracious God, work on our behalf. We thank you for life - and fullness of life - because of the good You have worked for our benefit. May we join you in doing good each day of our lives. May we not ignore the small and ordinary good deeds in vain hopes of doing something "big" for You. Inspire us to enter into the joy of serving others in love.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14

(When I look at the picture above of the young girl with the "older girl", I'm not just seeing the "young" looking after the "old". I'm also seeing the "old" taking opportunities to bless the "young" with their presence... entering into a young person's world, and sharing life and love together. How we need each other!)