25 Bible Verses About Doing Good (With Commentary)
Doing good deeds and helping others is a fundamental aspect of living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Today, we’ll explore the biblical principles and teachings on doing good and the transformative impact it has on individuals and communities.
These verses offer insights into the importance of kindness, generosity, and the rewards of a compassionate life. Whether you’re seeking to make a positive difference in the world or simply looking for inspiration to do more good, these scriptures provide wisdom and motivation.
Bible Verses About Doing Good
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This verse reminds us that doing good can sometimes be tiresome and challenging. However, it encourages us to stay steadfast and not give up, for there will be rewards in due time.
Psalm 37:3
“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”
Trusting in the Lord and doing good go hand in hand. When we trust in Him, He directs our steps in doing what is good and beneficial for ourselves and others.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
We are God’s masterpiece, and one of His purposes for creating us is to do good works. The good works we do were already planned and prepared by God Himself for us to fulfill.
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
As believers, we are called to encourage and inspire one another to love others and to do good. We should be actively seeking opportunities to lead others in acts of kindness and service.
Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.”
This verse reminds us not to withhold good deeds from those who deserve them. If we have the ability to assist others, we should do so willingly and generously.
1 Peter 3:11
“They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”
Doing good is not just about performing acts of kindness; it also involves turning away from evil and actively seeking peace. Our actions should reflect a sincere desire for righteousness and harmony.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Our good deeds are not meant to bring glory to ourselves but rather to glorify God. When others witness our acts of kindness and love, they should be inspired to praise and honor our Heavenly Father.
1 Timothy 6:18
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
Believers are encouraged to be actively involved in doing good deeds, showing generosity, and willingly sharing what they have with others. These actions reflect a heart that desires to bless and uplift others.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
In every aspect of our lives, we are called to do everything in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God. This includes our actions of doing good, which should be motivated by our love and gratitude towards God.
Titus 3:14
“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.”
As followers of Christ, we should prioritize doing good and meeting the needs of others. By doing so, we can live purposeful and productive lives that have a positive impact on society.
James 4:17
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
When we are aware of the good we should do but fail to act upon it, it becomes a sin. This verse emphasizes the importance of actively engaging in acts of goodness and charity.
Luke 6:35
“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.”
Doing good should extend beyond those whom we love or who love us in return. We are called to show kindness and do good even to our enemies, imitating our Heavenly Father’s kindness towards all.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward them for what they have done.”
When we show kindness and generosity to the less fortunate, we are lending to the Lord Himself. He promises to reward us for our compassion and care towards those in need.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Instead of responding to evil with more evil, Christians are called to overcome evil through acts of goodness and love. Our actions should be a powerful testimony to the transformative power of God’s love.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
We should not seek revenge or repay evil for evil. Rather, we are called to consistently pursue goodness in how we treat others, both within the community of believers and outside of it.
Romans 2:10
“But glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”
Doing good brings glory, honor, and peace to those who practice it. This applies to all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity. Good deeds have the power to positively impact everyone.
Proverbs 21:21
“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.”
When we actively pursue righteousness and love through our actions, we discover true life, abundance, and honor. Our commitment to doing good aligns us with God’s purposes and blessings.
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Jesus teaches us that when we serve and do good to the most vulnerable and needy around us, it is as though we are doing it directly for Him. Our acts of kindness towards others are acts of love towards Christ Himself.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises their neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
To neglect or disregard our neighbors, particularly those in need, is to sin against God’s command to love others. Blessings and favor come to those who show kindness and compassion to the less fortunate.
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Doing good involves actively considering the needs and interests of others and not solely focusing on ourselves. By placing the well-being of others before our own, we reflect the selfless love of Christ.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
Generosity and sharing with those in need are actions that bring blessings upon ourselves. As we provide for others, God blesses us abundantly in return.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Doing good is ultimately an outpouring of love. When we genuinely love our neighbor, we will naturally desire to do what is good and beneficial for them, fulfilling God’s law of love.
Luke 3:11
“John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.’
John the Baptist’s instruction highlights the importance of sharing our resources with those who are lacking. Doing good includes providing for the physical needs of others, demonstrating compassion and care.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
When we are generous and refreshing to others, God promises that we will also experience prosperity and refreshment in our own lives. The act of doing good is reciprocal, bringing blessings all around.
What Does the Bible Say About Doing Good?
In exploring what the Bible teaches us about doing good, we find a consistent theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of living a life characterized by acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity towards others.
1. Love your neighbor: One of the foundational teachings in the Bible is the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). This principle encourages us to treat others with the same care and respect that we desire for ourselves.
2. Helping the less fortunate: The Bible frequently urges us to assist the less fortunate, including widows, orphans, and the poor (James 1:27). Providing for those in need is seen as a righteous act in the eyes of God.
3. Acts of kindness: The Bible also encourages us to perform acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. Jesus himself exemplified this through parables like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where a stranger showed compassion and helped someone in need.
4. Forgiveness and reconciliation: Another important aspect of doing good according to the Bible is the act of forgiveness and reconciliation. We are encouraged to forgive those who have wronged us and seek reconciliation whenever possible (Matthew 6:14-15).
5. Serving others: Jesus, in his ministry, emphasized that greatness is found in serving others (Mark 10:43-45). As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate his example by serving those around us.
6. Avoiding hypocrisy: The Bible also warns against performing acts of righteousness to gain public recognition or praise. Instead, we are encouraged to do good with a sincere and humble heart (Matthew 6:1-4).
7. Fruit of the Spirit: In Galatians 5:22-23, we find a list of qualities known as the “fruit of the Spirit,” which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities reflect the essence of doing good and living a life in accordance with God’s will.
8. God’s grace: Finally, the Bible reminds us that our ability to do good comes from God’s grace. We are saved by grace through faith, and this faith should manifest in acts of kindness and good deeds (Ephesians 2:8-10).
In summary, the Bible teaches us that doing good is not only a moral imperative but also a central aspect of our faith. It involves loving our neighbors, helping those in need, showing kindness, forgiving others, serving with humility, avoiding hypocrisy, and living out the qualities of the Spirit. Ultimately, doing good is a reflection of our relationship with God and our commitment to living a life that honors Him.
