Let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. —Galatians 6:10

The director of a disaster relief agency told about a man who had a change of heart after the flood that devastated Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 1997. The man had been strongly opposed to the request of a church to build near his house, but he relented when he saw the truckloads of food and other supplies sent by Christians. He said seeing what believers did with their money "outside the walls" of the church building changed his mind.

In Galatians 6:6-10, the apostle Paul provided guidelines that apply to the use of our money. We are to realize that if we are self-serving we will reap a harvest which will pass away when we die. But if we devote our lives to doing good, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, we will reap an eternal harvest (vv.7-8). Moreover, we are to persist in "doing good" no matter how little the present dividends, knowing that the Lord will keep His word (v.9).

So, when God opens the door for us to "do good to all" (v.10), whether to fellow believers or to those who are "outside the walls," let's do it cheerfully. It's the Christian thing to do, not only because our compassionate action may cause unbelievers to be more receptive to the gospel, but also because God rewards generosity.

-HVL

The good we do is never lost,
Each kindly act takes root,
And every bit of love we sow
In time will bear rich fruit.

-Anon.

It takes only a moment to be kind, but the result can last forever.