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 opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10
“As God has created all things for the common good of all men, so let that part of them which has fallen to your share be employed, as God would have all employed, for the common good of all. Do good, my son, first of all to those that most deserve it; but remember to do good to all. The greatest sinners receive daily instances of God’s goodness towards them; He nourishes and preserves them, that they may repent, and return to Him: do you therefore imitate God, and think no one too bad to receive your relief and kindness, when you see that he wants it.”
William Law (1686-1761) in A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life (Grand Rapids: CCEL, 2000) 135.
This is another book from the list of the 25 Books Every Christian Should Read: A Guide to the Essential Spiritual Classics. Where able, I will include a link for you to access the book freely on PDF.
This book aims to inspire readers to grow in their devotion to living out the Christian life. Or as the Apostle Paul put it in today’s Scripture, to not become weary but press on in doing good and showing kindness to all.
It’s important at Christmas and throughout the year to live this out. Our generosity must not just extend to those we think deserve our aid because we received grace and mercy from God when we were undeserving.
This also shows our faith to a watching world. When we do this, we imitate God. In Luke 6:35, when we are kind to even the undeserving, we are labeled, “children of the Most High.” See for yourself.
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
If He can be kind to them, so can we. And, it may lead them to repentance. In this light, our generosity to the undeserving may be the greatest form of evangelism: showing tangible love to the unworthy can soften the hardest hearts.