ABUNDANT LIFE VISION.
THE GOOD WORK. Romans 15:25-27
But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. [26]For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. [27]They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially. NLT.
God has called us to the good work. The moment we give our lives to Christ, he floods our hearts with his love and our task as his children is not just in preaching the gospel, praying, and attending programs but it includes being good to others.
What does it mean to be good? One of the meanings of good according to Oxford Languages is to be of “benefit or advantage to someone or something”. The Christian life is designed by God to be of benefit or advantage to the world. Have you ever wondered why Jesus said that we are the light of the world? Matthew 5:14-15. People should thank God and know God because you are in a place. As a light that lights up the world, you should reveal God to people.
Now to the topic in proper, our text tells us about how the brethren in Achaia and Macedonia eagerly contributed money for the poor believers in Jerusalem. The emphasis here is eagerly, they saw that their brothers and sisters were in need and they were eager to take responsibility for it by sending monetary relief to the church in Jerusalem. This is the kind of good work God has called us to do.
As Christians, anytime we see our brethren in need, it is our duty to come together and help. James 2:15-17: Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, [16]and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? [17]So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. NLT. Also, our good deeds should be extended to unbelievers and those that persecute us. Luke 6:35-36: “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. [36]You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. NLT.
As you can see, God does not want us to be wicked. That would not reflect his nature as our God is good and he is full of love. Therefore, as his children, we are to back up our faith with good deeds to show the world that we are his and I pray that God will help us as we do this in Jesus name. Amen.
God bless you.
