Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).

A Divisive Topic?

Too often the topic of “good works” creates more friction between Christians than it does encouragement. Some people preach heavily that all Christians are to read the bible and obey what it says. And they’re right! Others are afraid that those people are neglecting the grace of the gospel and leading people into legalism. Sometimes, they’re right too!

But in Jesus, we don’t need to be afraid to talk about either the gospel or good works. One doesn’t negate the other. In fact, they go together, good works flowing out of hearts that have been changed by the gospel. Therefore James 2:22 says of Abraham’s obedience “You see that faith was active along with his works”. We don’t have a dead faith, but rather a living faith that produces fruit. In other words, we don’t receive a new heart in vain, or for our own pleasure only. This new heart has faith to love others and bring happiness to their hearts as well.

I think much of the tension in good works debates could be released if we dug deeper into the heart of biblical obedience- or good works. For the Christian, this should be an appetizing subject, not a dreadful one. If you have listened to teaching on obedience that causes you to shrink and retreat, it’s possible that a heart of joy and gratitude has been left out of the message. No one moves more quickly towards good works with bricks on their backs. Rather, our teaching ought to be full of grace, and encouragement that motivates each other to do good. By our words, we speak freedom to each other- freedom that is in Christ, through his grace, to accomplish the good things that could only be done in him.

This joined desire to accomplish good for the glory and gospel of God should unite us rather than divide us. In fact, if we aren’t linked together in a mission to do good, we’re more likely to divide over trite matters.

A Serious Mission of Grace

Let’s take seriously the bible’s counsel to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). Imagine belonging to a church that took this passage to heart! No one would be left in need, and every heart might be overflowing with love and goodness towards others. Every time you went to church, you would leave with your heart positively agitated towards a desire to bless others. Your eyes and ears would remain open through the week, seeking opportunities to do good. Isn’t this exactly what is encouraged in Galatians 6:9-10:

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Discouragement in well-doing will come, and your flesh will always find a reason to neglect doing good. There must be something under-girding your desire to persevere in it; A diligence and determination that could only belong to a heart made zealous by the love of God. We need hearts that long to worship him through serving others. How can we have hearts like that?

The answer, I believe, is by grace through faith. We have received salvation by grace, through faith, as a gift, apart from works (Ephesians 2:8). God gave us this salvation, creating us “in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:9). Get this- we are saved apart from works, so that through this new heart of faith we can walk in good works. While good works never contributed to our salvation, they are a part of the package of salvation! They are wrapped up into the gift, ready for us to walk in and claim through Christ.

Don’t Overthink It

Now, I know we are prone to complicate and overthink this answer. But before doing that, consider the simplicity of James 4:17, “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”

As humans, we are professional at squelching good desires. As soon as the thought of doing some good comes up, we begin to talk ourselves out of it. So, if you are going to sit around and wait for all your feelings and inclinations to line themselves up godly, you will probably never do a good thing in your life. You should act fast on (most) good impulses. I say most, because obviously some bigger, life changing decisions should be considered with counsel from others.

The desire springing up in you to do good certainly doesn’t come from the devil. That’s why I say, determine it, in your heart to follow through with whatever urge towards good deeds you have. How will you carry it out? By grace, through faith. On our own, we stink. We will excuse ourselves, have resentment, expect favors in return, act lazy, and serve only ourselves. But remember that we are saved. We have the Holy Spirit who is stronger than our flesh, and Jesus Christ who overcame the world.

We have small hearts, so we need a big view of God to make them stronger. Our vision of him is what will make our love increase. Feed your soul on God, and good will flow out. But know that you will never be “good enough” to do single good deed on your own. So, act in faith, and rely on God! His grace is sufficient no matter your weaknesses and relying on him spares from pride.

Don’t Forget the Cheer

I believe the following verses from 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 speak beyond the subject of monetary giving and can apply “at all times” to “every good work” (as it says!):

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

When we view good works as a gift, even a privilege, than we stop laboring out of mere obligation. Remember, we aren’t chained up and forced to obey, we are freed so that we are able to obey. The best way to walk in the good works God has planned for you, is to do it cheerfully. God says that his grace will abound to you as you do the work, and you are free to rejoice in both the opportunity and the power.

Serving God’s people should be joyful; people in need don’t enjoy reluctant and groaning service. We would rather be left alone with our problems than be forced to endure grimacing helpers. Let’s ask God to give us creative ideas and help us motivate each other to do good and glorify him.  We can bring joy to others and joy to our own hearts through service. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).