Doing Good

I also made provision for contributions of wood at designated times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me with favor, my God.
(Nehemiah 13:31 NIV)

While people may not necessarily notice or reward us for doing good, God does and that’s all that matters. That’s why in the final chapter of the book, Nehemiah prayed three times that not the people, but God Himself, would bless him for the good things that he had done (13:14, 22, 31). After all, the real praise should come from the source of all that’s good–God Himself. Therefore, as His children, good deeds are to characterize our lives as well, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). While doing good deeds doesn’t guarantee our entrance into heaven, they’re proof of Christ’s character in us. In fact, the Bible encourages us to persevere in doing good, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10). I’m sure that God blessed Nehemiah for all the good things that he did and that He’ll do the same for us when we continue to do good.

Do good whenever you can.