For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. (Rom 13:3-4)
Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. (1 Pet 2:13-14)
God has promised us, according to the Scriptures, that when we do good works on earth, we’ll be honored and celebrated. This is God’s reward and His blessing upon all who are obedient to His Word and His will.
It is clear that doing good works is the will of God for His people. Here are several Bible verses about good works:
- In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Mt 5:16 ESV)
- For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (Jas 2:26 ESV)
- That the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:17 ESV)
What are “good works” according to the Bible? Here is another perspective:
Ephesians 2:10 would encourage you to learn to see your whole life as an interconnected series of good works offered to God. This means that your good works can include that which you do at work, in the classroom, on the football field, in your neighborhood, and in your community associations. If you’re a boss, part of your good works involve the way you manage your employees. If you’re a parent, your good works include making dinner for your children as well as praying with them as you tuck them into bed. The more we grow in our faith, the more we see ourselves as God’s masterpieces, the more we will indeed do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, by his strength, under his authority, and for his purposes. (Source: https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/daily-reflection/what-are-good-works-god-has-prepared-us)
The Bible also tells us these things about good works:
- If someone is hungry or inadequately clothed, believers should feed them and give them clothing. (Jas 2:14-17)
- Whatever we do, we should work enthusiastically and with all of our might, because the Lord Himself will reward us. (Col 3:23-24)
- We must do wholesome, upright, virtuous deeds and share whatever we have with others. (Heb 13:16)
- Don’t allow ourselves to get tired of doing good. (Gal 6:9)
- All that we do should be done in love. (1 Cor 16:14)
- Believers should encourage and inspire each other to lovingly perform good works. (Heb 10:24)
Think deeply today about what we’ve studied, and about the many forms of good works. There are so many unique ways in which you may demonstrate the love and mercy of God to the world through your good works. Be blessed in Jesus’ name!
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