We are to “do good unto all men” (see verse for today). This is how we let our light shine and glorify our Father in heaven. It is not only by words that we witness to the lost, but also by our works. In fact, our works pave the way for our verbal witness; they win us the right to be heard. It is not a question of asking, “Does this person deserve my good works?” Did we deserve what God did for us in Christ? Nor should we be like the defensive lawyer who tried to argue, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:25- 37) Jesus made it clear that the question is not “Who is my neighbor?” but “To whom can I be a neighbor?”

As we “do good unto all men,” we must give priority to “the household of faith,” the fellowship of believers. This does not mean that the local church should become an exclusive clique with the members isolated from the world around them and doing nothing to help the lost. Rather, it is a matter of balance. A man always cares for his own family before he cares for others in the neighborhood (1Timothy 5:8).

We must remember, however, that we share with other Christians so that all of us might be able to share with a needy world. The Christian in the household of faith is a receiver that he might become a transmitter. As we abound in love for one another, we overflow in love for all men (1 Thessalonians 3:12). This is how it was meant to be.

Verse for today: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

Other Scripture: Check out the references listed in today’s reading.

Action assignment: Think of something good you can do for someone—and do it!