Do good to all people ∙∙

Do good to all people ∙∙

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. – Proverbs 3:27

Galatians 6:9-10

 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

The Best and Worst of Humanity: Dr. David Nott’s Story

Dr. David Nott, a British humanitarian war-zone surgeon, has witnessed humanity at its worst. He has dedicated nearly 30 years to navigating the chaos and destruction of war zones. From treating victims of barrel bombs in Syria to removing a detonator from a woman’s leg, his career has placed him at the epicenter of human suffering. In Bosnia, he faced snipers; in Sudan, he encountered the horrors of child abuse. On one occasion, a nurse standing beside him was killed by a bullet.

Despite these harrowing experiences, Dr. Nott describes his work as “joyous,” stating that “conflict work was the only thing that made me feel alive.” Known as “the Indiana Jones of Surgery,” he credits his survival in war zones to the relationships he forms with local people. “You can’t stop human bullets or bombs,” he explains, “but you can develop relationships with people so that they don’t want you to die or be in situations where your life is at risk.”

While he has witnessed terrible acts, Dr. Nott has also seen remarkable displays of kindness, loyalty, and honor. Reflecting on human nature’s duality, he notes, “There are some people who use their power to make things better and positively impact others’ lives, and there are others who use power to destroy everything around them.” Despite the horrors he’s faced, he still believes that “the majority of humans are good” (Staying Alive in a War Zone, The Week, March 13, 2020).

Ukraine: A Modern War Zone

On February 24, 2022, the world witnessed the largest conventional military attack on a European country since World War II. What was initially dismissed as a potential “minor incursion” rapidly escalated into a full-scale invasion with around 200,000 Russian troops, tanks, rockets, and advanced weapons, including supersonic and hypersonic missiles. The threat of chemical and nuclear weapons loomed ominously over the conflict.

The invasion shocked the world, leaving many people stunned by the destruction and suffering. Once-beautiful cities were turned to rubble, and many innocent men, women, and children lost their lives. At the start of the invasion, the outcome was unclear, and the spread of false information made it hard to know the truth.

Despite the tragedy, some surprising things happened. The Ukrainian people came together around their flag, showing incredible courage and strength against overwhelming odds. Their brave resistance inspired support from around the world. In response to the unprovoked attacks, many countries joined together to impose sanctions on the aggressor.

A Shift in Global Alliances

One of the most surprising results of the invasion was the dramatic shift in global political and economic alliances. European nations that had long pursued neutrality suddenly changed course, uniting against the common enemy. This represented a major paradigm shift, shaking up the geopolitical landscape and altering international relations.

The unity displayed by these nations echoed the spirit of the American Revolution, where a shared cause brought people together to fight oppression. The invasion of Ukraine served as a catalyst for renewed dedication to collective action and the defense of shared values.

Benjamin Franklin published the first American political cartoon in his newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette, on May 9, 1754. It signaled the beginning of the French and Indian War. The cartoon shows a snake divided into eight segments, each with initials for a colony or region. The caption reads “JOIN or DIE.” It was a call for unity among the American colonies, which were divided and acting separately.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Instead of looking for a place to quit, we should be looking for another place to start!” (Boles)

Father, strengthen me to do good and avoid evil. In coming alongside others, I seek to serve joyfully rather than with reluctance. May it be an invigorating, spiritually uplifting experience. Please work out what You have placed within me.

INSIGHT

Understanding Goodness: A Divine Standard

What does it mean to be good? According to the dictionary, “good” refers to something that is morally excellent, virtuous, righteous, of high quality, or exceptional. Goodness encompasses attributes such as excellence, delightfulness, and being enjoyable, pleasant, or admirable. It is a concept that goes beyond mere actions and reflects a state of moral and spiritual integrity.

For the children of the King, the Father has entrusted them with the responsibility of doing good for others. This is at the core of practicing Christian love and ethics. In addition to loving the Father with all our heart, soul, and mind, doing good is a prime directive.

Galatians 6:10: “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to those in the family of faith.”

The Call to Goodness

On one hand, God treats everyone equally, and His children should do the same. We have a responsibility to do good for everyone. However, there is also an inner circle, the children of the King, the Father’s Forever Family, that requires special attention.

Tragically, when the children of the King forget this directive, prejudice and bigotry can take root. Human nature tends to gravitate toward tribalism, leading people to believe that their “tribe” is superior to others.

We are called to be ready to help everyone, but our foremost responsibility is to support our spiritual family. In the end, we will spend eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ and with each other.

The Language of Goodness: Kalos and Agathos

In Galatians 6, two different Greek words are translated into English as “good,” each carrying a distinct nuance: kalos and agathos.

In Galatians 6:9, kalosconveys the sense of “being noble, praiseworthy, beautiful, admirable, healthy, fit, or morally excellent.” It reflects “the intrinsic goodness of character and action.”

In Galatians 6:10, agathos emphasizes “doing good for the benefit of others.” It conveys the idea of “being useful, upright, and honorable.” This term focuses on the “outward expression of goodness through actions that positively impact others.”

Key differences between the terms are as follows:

• Kalos – refers to being good

• Agathos – refers to doing good

These concepts emphasize the dual nature of goodness: an internal characteristic of moral excellence and an external dedication to aiding others.

The Consequences of Neglecting Goodness

Individuals who choose not to do good or embody positive traits often develop negative attitudes, becoming cynical and bitter. For them, life turns into a series of “sour grapes,” marked by suspicion, contempt, and disapproval. Sadly, many who see themselves as children of the King allow life’s challenges to shatter their spirits, leaving them defeated and resentful. This mindset directly plays into the enemy’s hands, robbing them of joy and purpose (Richison).

The Father sets a high standard for His children, but striving to meet it brings fulfillment and vitality.

Luke 6:35: “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.”

The Paradigm Shift: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

How can flawed, self-centered human beings rise to such a high standard? The Father provides a profound yet straightforward solution: a change of focus and a paradigm shift. The key lies in fixing our eyes on Jesus, who exemplifies perfect goodness and endurance.

Hebrews 12:1-3: “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, our champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, despising its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”

Focusing On Jesus

By focusing on Jesus, we are empowered to endure, love, and do good, even in the face of adversity. His example inspires us to rise above our limitations and fulfill the Father’s high calling with joy and purpose.

The stories of Dr. David Nott and the Ukrainian resistance serve as powerful reminders of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of standing against evil. In the face of adversity, there is an opportunity to serve, uplift, and make a difference.

Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

The choice to embrace the call to do good and avoid evil, finding joy and spiritual renewal in serving others, is entirely ours. Let us strive to discover what the Father has placed within us, trusting in His guidance and strength.

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© Dr. H 2025