Galatians 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
In my lifetime I have witnessed many natural disasters, and I have seen great needs across our nation. Storms, hurricanes, and fires have left many, many, people without anywhere to call home. With no home, no food, no water, and no means of support for days, weeks, or months, many are forced to rely on the government for help.
I have heard of many Christians that have helped or wanted to help. Some go, some send, but others just talk. God has a lot to say about all of this. In Galatians 6:10 God tells us if we have the opportunity we are to do good to all men. When we were in Richmond, VA our pastor often said; “all means all and that’s all, all means.” Most of the time we had a little chuckle from the saying, but it’s true. In this verse, we are taught not to discriminate, but to give to all. Don’t allow their color, social status, physical ability, or spiritual status to deter us from doing good to them.
The verse goes on to say that we especially shouldn’t forget those of the household of faith. In other words, take care of God’s people. Many times, the church steps back and allows the government to take over and help, but that should never be the case when it comes to God’s people. We ought to be leading the way with love, and we show that love with physical help.
When natural disasters happened, I have been very pleased to know that many Free Will Baptists, the denomination I belong to, have given much and many are helped. Master’s Men, an organization of Free Will Baptist men, are usually on the ground, and running with help long before other organizations have responded. Many churches have fed those who have fled these disasters for safety. Other churches that I am acquainted with take offerings because they cannot physically go. There are many organizations that lead the way where help is needed, in ways we cannot. What is our responsibility in these efforts?
First, we need to pray, not just say we will pray, but earnestly seek God’s face for the needs of others. If God’s people are involved we are to bear one another’s burdens.
Galatians 6:2 “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Second, we need to fulfill the law of Christ.” The law of Christ requires us to love one another. When you love someone, there will be actions not just words.
John 13:34 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
Third, in Hebrews 13:16 we are instructed not to neglect to do good to those who are in need. The meaning of this verse adds another element to our helping others. It means we are to be liberal in our giving. We are to ensure we don’t forget, by planning. Putting our giving into our budget, setting a time to help others.
We are prone to think only of ourselves and our own families. We get so wrapped up in day-to-day living that we forget, or put off, the duty that we owe to those in need. We have great intentions but intentions are of no value unless they are carried out.
Hebrews 13:16 “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
So, how are you stacking up when it comes to doing what is right for others? Thinking of others first and giving to others not holding on for yourself. If you are failing in this area the next verse gives us the motivation to keep your focus.
James 4:17 “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
