Wrinkling my nose at the foul odor, I pulled my sweater from the washing machine. Two days before I had set the wash cycle in motion, fully intending to come back and hang the sweater to dry. But life got busy and I forgot about it. Unless I wanted to live with the stink, I needed to rewash my sweater.

Setting my sweater out to dry on time is a good thing to do. But forgetting to do it was so easy. Knowing the good things to do, and actually doing them, can be as different as night and day. I see this principle at work in other areas of my life. 

Maybe this is why Paul encourages us with these words:

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10 NIV)

This verse summarizes Paul’s reminder that we will reap what we sow. If we sow to please our sinful nature, we will reap destruction. But if we make efforts to please God, we will reap eternal life (Galatians 6:7-9). In one short verse, Paul paints a picture of how we can honor Jesus.

Opportunity: To take advantage of opportunities, we need to be intentional. How many times have I lamented over a missed opportunity? I missed them because I didn’t consciously look for them. 

When I choose to focus, I find all kinds of ways to do good. I can smile at a stranger, pray for my friend who is facing challenges, or serve a family member.

All People: Everyday I interact with all kinds of people. Some of them will be in my life for a long time; others I will meet only once. I need to do good to the busy cashier at the grocery store, the untrained customer service representative, and the neighbor who shovels the snow off my mother’s driveway.

When I choose to open my eyes, I can see who God has put in my path and find ways to do good to them. People will remember our kind words, acts of service, and efforts to stay connected (whether by phone, text, or letter). 

Especially the Family of Believers: While Paul encourages us to do good for all people, he highlighted the family of believers. At first I thought this strange, and a bit discriminatory. Until I remembered the words of Jesus:

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35 NIV)

Jesus understood what I sometimes forget. We all need to be loved and to love others. When we show each other the love of Jesus, we become a powerful testimony for Him. This is how we shine His light in an increasingly dark world (Matthew 5:16 NIV).

When I choose to love my family of believers, together we reflect His light and attract others to Him.

I’ve come to appreciate lately how short this life on earth can be. So I’m determined to make the best use of my days by:

• Sharing words of encouragement with others
• Extending grace and forgiveness
• Offering apologies when needed
• Expressing gratitude for all the ways others bless my life
• Voicing the love I feel for others

Wherever our life’s journey may lead us, I pray we can find ways to do good to all people ~ especially to those who belong to the family of believers.