Gal 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 the first century church after Pentecost, the Believers would come together and help each other as they saw the needs as well as eating together. They were of one accord and of one purpose (Acts 2:44-46). The end result was that the Lord added to the church daily those that were saved (Acts 2:47). This means there were conversions on a daily basis.

What does Paul mean by “As we have therefore opportunity”? It means at whatever time, in whatever place, in whatever manner we can, and whenever it is within our means to do it. “Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee” (Proverbs 3:28).

The truth is we have many opportunities to do good but sometimes we give excuses. The messages we are actually sending are:

1. It is inconvenient: It is too much hassle.

2. I don’t know that person; I’m not close to him.

3. It is not my business: Why should I care?

4. It is going to cost me money: I’m not willing to spend on him.

Paul is teaching us to do selfless benevolence and not selfish benevolence. It means, we are not to do good only when it is convenient, or when it will advance our interest, or when it may contribute to our fame, or for others to see. The Pharisees did good for others to see; they were seeking fame; it was not benevolence from the heart (Matthew 6:1-4).

Paul says that we are to do good whenever we have the opportunity and be thankful for the privilege. And it is to be done to all people but especially to those who are of the household of faith, which means, to all Christians. This includes extending our hands of love even to a man who lives on the other side of the globe whom we have never seen before. It means giving hospitality to a brother who comes from overseas. It includes sending reliefs to the poor brethren who are overseas. We don’t have to know the person or persons we are showing benevolence; we just have to do it. Such is Christianity.

True love widens, instead of narrowing, our charities: “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42, ESV).

The welfare of the Church and the progress of the kingdom of God depend on whether her members are generous in doing benevolent works. In the first century, when the unbelievers saw how the Christians were showing love for one another, they were attracted to the gospel and as a result, many souls were added daily to the church (Acts 2:47).

Are we lacking opportunities in doing good works today? NO! On the contrary, opportunities to do good are many. Giving hospitality to brethren here and foreign brethren is one good way of showing love. Giving money to support full time workers is another. Sending reliefs to help the poor brethren residing overseas is another way of showing our Christian love. Giving support to a bible college is another way of ensuring the Lord’s kingdom will always have preachers to preach the gospel. Our Lord says: “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt 25:40).

If only every Christian realises that all that they have are given to them by God for a purpose, and it is to use it to help others. The apostle Peter wrote: “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace” (1 Pet 4:9-10, ESV).

All that you have belongs to God. It is God who has blessed you and given you abundantly. You are blessed with this opportunity to do good to others who are in need. Are you withholding this opportunity and keeping the blessing to only yourself and your family? God will call you to give an account of this stewardship of the money He has given you (Luke 16:2). He has blessed you with the ability to give; are you giving to the Lord? He says: “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me” (Matt 25:45).

When we serve others, we are serving Christ (Matthew 25:35-40). We are helping to further the course of the gospel. Men will glorify God when they see how charitable the members are (Matthew 5:16).

Let us seek every opportunity to do good. We may be entertaining Christ or an angel (Heb 13:2).

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.