“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As children of God we should always be observant of opportunities to do good deeds. Our good deeds do not save us, but they do represent our Lord and Savior well. He is good! You cannot spell the word "good" without the word "God". Man was created by God as good. When we look at Genesis Chapter 1 we see God proclaim everything that He had made as good (see Genesis 1:4, 10, 12,,18, 21, 25, 31). Seven times He used the word "good". In verse 31 He looked at it all and called it "very good".

In the fall of man (Genesis 3:1-7) sin entered the world and, as a result, so did evil. Man did not know both good and evil until Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit. ““God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God did not make us to know or experience evil. Sin corrupted life on earth and left us searching for the good we once knew. The only thing that  gives us a sense of good is the innate awareness of good that God has placed within the fabric of life.  When we turn to God in repentance and accept the payment for our sin, His Son Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior, He gives us the residence of His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us discern what is good and what is evil. As we submit to the Holy Spirit we become conscientious of how we can live life in a way that demonstrates God's goodness. The only good in the world is because of God's mercy and kindness. We can be certain that there is no good in Satan or in the corrupt nature of man. Paul said it this way: “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There is always a natural bent to do evil. You don't have to teach a child to do evil, you have to teach them to do good. This is all because of our Adamic nature. Quoting from Psalm 14:1-3 and Psalm 53:1-3 Paul drives home the point of our evil nature in Romans 3:10-12: “As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.”” NLT‬‬

Our idea of good is not necessarily what God sees as good. Let me illustrate. Someone may say "I'm a good person". In the estimate of many, that person may be looked at as a "good person". However, a simple, closer look will reveal that they are evil. Example: Have they ever disobeyed their parents? Have they ever stolen anything, even if it's a piece of bubble gum? Have they ever hated anyone? Have they ever looked at the opposite sex in a lustful manner (other than their spouse)? Have they ever lied? Have they ever wanted something that someone else had? So far, if we are honest, the person is striking out. According to the last 6 of the 10 commandments (see Exodus 20:12-17) the person isn't good, they are evil. Yes, we have a desire for good, but evil dominates and dictates our lives without the power of the Holy Spirit. That is why we need Jesus! He, and He alone is good! As we surrender our lives to Him, He makes us good! We are called to let His goodness flow through us so that we bring glory to God. “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As we live in this evil world, let us listen to, submit to, and obey the unction of the Holy Spirit. When we do this, we will be demonstrating the goodness of God.

Notice: the verse today calls us to do good to everyone, especially to the family of God.

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, I humbly recognize that I am evil apart from You. However, through Your Son Jesus I am good. Help me live under the presence and power of Your Holy Spirit.