It never ceases to amaze me when God works through our difficulties if we’d just “take his Word for it!” A command that God instills in us through His Word is to “turn the other cheek” and “do good.” Both are true even when we know our obstinance against it is in overdrive leading us away from His wisdom and into the proverbial “burning building.” It will not only burn but leave indelible scars because of rebellion against God’s wise and perfect way.
When people offend and challenge us with words that can either sting or destroy, the temptation is to put that person in their rightful place or better yet, make them feel the hurt they’ve inflicted upon us. But when we’re aware of the Bible verses that lead to forgiveness and healing, we run from the idea that plunging into the abyss of an “eye for an eye” is a good and worthwhile pursuit; it never truly is!
Instead, consider applying key verses of doing good that were designed by God, with the utmost wisdom, to not only bring healing and disarm the offending party but is “a gracious thing in the sight of God.” And, the offending party is no longer left aiming for the heart-shaped bullseye they so desired in the heat of the moment. It alarms people when we do good despite our hurt. 1 Peter 2:19-21 states, “But when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this, you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
When people see the fruit of doing good, they’ll see Jesus Christ in you - the Light not hidden under a basket but shining brightly on the lampstand! That is the example for which ALL Christians should strive (by the grace of God). Also, Matthew 5:16 states, “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.”
Being naive in the faith, I used to think all Christians shared in the same gifts, and if the gifts needed to be honed, then strive to hone them. Can you imagine the super-Christian displaying ALL the gifts God gives? Just thinking about it is exhausting! But in reality, every Christian has a gift (or many) from God.
First, let’s review the gifts given to the body of Christ - His Church:
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:4-8.
God gives gifts (and faith) in measure, so we can’t be the super-Christians we may have thought or are still considering in our walk with the Lord. It's a humbling thing to walk in the shadows of gifted Christians who use their gift(s) wisely and prudently (by God's grace).
I was once asked to share my gifts with a small group of Christians. I felt struck and slightly embarrassed to even think I had gifts worth sharing in a group. I believed that if I kept them to myself, it was the humble thing to do. So, in my feeble attempt to answer, I struggled to muster up something...anything; I couldn’t. The group piped up and answered, “You have the gift of knowledge.” Much to my surprise, I thought they’d see my gift of creating a pretty charcuterie board or flashy casserole. But I see how God can use the gift of knowledge to serve the saints in various ways worth sharing. However, in doing good, it's about showing love in action and in a very useful way. One day, I hope to say, “Doing good to others is my gift!”
One of the gifts I have found to be of great value is being taught by others who have the gift of teaching. An effective teacher uses Scripture to point out areas of weakness that only God’s Word can remedy! It’s not about techniques but resources.
A good friend had been truly instrumental in using Scripture to not only show how doing good can fix many of my troubles but that being in opposition to it is nothing but an unadulterated sin! It took three days for this revelation to pierce my heart and flood my mind with the only solution - be a do-gooder! This doesn't mean that in every situation I'll be able to rise above hurtful words or actions instantly. However, seeing that my obstinance to apply Scripture only prolonged the suffering of pain and sorrow.
I believed that only a professional Christian counselor could point me where I needed to go in the area of conflict with others. With only one session, the counselor quickly told me to give an ultimatum to the person hurting me. I found it odd and an "easy out" to my troubles. It took that three-day period of Biblical revelation to know Scripture was the KEY. I also realized that a gifted friend with a love for God’s Word while being bold enough to say, “What you’re doing or contemplating is a sin.” was a Christ-like LOVE in action. She was referring to my inner dialog, that I shared, which was contrary to what God wanted me to do - "Do good to others." She also shared Romans 12:4 which states, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them." That's doing good too!
We should all take heart in knowing that no one enters heaven without tribulations (Acts 14:22) and that our sufferings pale in comparison to what’s in store for us in eternity! And in doing good, remember Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.”
God sees our struggles with doing good, so He gives us strength by His Word and Spirit. Rest dear Christian! We don’t have to exhaust ourselves by conjuring up that super-Christian in dire need of a perfect Savior who's the only One super in that supernatural way!
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