Promoting what is good may sound like a cliche, but it’s at the heart of the Gospel message, where believers are called to be different, to be light that shines, and to actively promote goodness, love, and righteousness in all that we do
Our world is filled with negativity, divisiveness, and distractions, and it’s crucial for us, as believers, to focus on promoting what is good. How often do we actively promote what is good in our lives, our communities, and our world?
This is a question worth pondering today.
Anchor Bible Verse of the Day on Promoting What is Good
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
3 John 1:11 (NKJV)
In this verse of 3 John 1:11, the Apostle John emphasizes the importance of choosing goodness over evil. He encourages us not to imitate wickedness but rather to follow the path of righteousness.
By doing good, we align ourselves with God’s will, bearing witness to our connection with Him. Those who choose evil, on the other hand, distance themselves from the divine presence.
Key Explanations
- Imitate What is Evil: To imitate evil means to mimic or follow the ways of wickedness, deceit, and wrongdoing. As believers, we are cautioned against adopting these harmful behaviors into our lives.
- Imitate What is Good: Conversely, imitating what is good involves emulating acts of kindness, love, compassion, and righteousness. It’s about reflecting the qualities of God in our actions.
Reflection on Promoting What Is Good
The call to imitate what is good is a profound challenge to everyone living in a world filled with negativity, division, and turmoil, although we are called to be the change-makers.
This means we should actively seek out opportunities to promote what is good. This might involve acts of kindness, forgiveness, and love, both in our personal lives and in the wider community.
As you ponder these words, consider the words of Galatians 6:9:
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Just as a farmer patiently tends to the fields, we too must persist in doing good, even when it seems difficult.
So, here’s the challenge for today: look for opportunities to promote what is good. It could be as simple as offering a helping hand, listening to someone in need, or spreading words of encouragement.
Let’s strive to embody God’s goodness in a world that so desperately needs it.
Reflection on Promoting What Is Good (Extended Version)
In today’s fast-paced and often chaotic world, living by the principle of promoting what is good can be challenging. However, it’s a challenge worth embracing. The Bible verse we’ve explored today highlights the significance of our choices and actions.
Consider this: When we encounter evil or negativity, what is our natural response?
Do we succumb to it, allowing it to influence us, or do we consciously choose the path of goodness and righteousness? It’s a question that requires introspection and self-awareness.
Promoting what is good isn’t just about avoiding evil; it’s about actively engaging in acts of kindness, compassion, and love. It’s about being a beacon of hope and positivity in a world that often seems shrouded in darkness.
In Galatians 5:22-23, we read about the fruits of the Spirit:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
These qualities are the essence of promoting what is good. When we exhibit love, kindness, and goodness, we not only reflect God’s nature but also inspire those around us.
Let’s make this practical:
Today, as you go about your daily routine, look for opportunities to promote what is good. It might be a simple act of helping a neighbor, encouraging a friend in need, or offering a kind word to a stranger. These seemingly small gestures can have a profound impact on others.
Incorporating “promoting what is good,” into our daily lives is a reminder of our mission as believers. It’s a call to action to make a positive difference in the lives of those we encounter. By doing so, we not only draw closer to God but also fulfill our purpose as instruments of His love and goodness.
As we strive to promote what is good, remember Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.
This verse reminds us to focus our minds on the good, the noble, and the virtuous.
Call to Action
Today, promoting what is good should be your guiding principle. Embrace the challenge of actively promoting goodness and kindness in your interactions with others.
Make a conscious effort to uplift and encourage those you meet. Reflect on these throughout the day, allowing them to guide your actions.
Prayer Points for Today
- Pray for guidance to recognize opportunities to promote what is good in your daily life.
- Ask for the strength to overcome the temptation to imitate evil and instead choose the path of goodness.
- Pray for the world, that more people may come to know God’s goodness and strive to promote it in their own lives.
Let’s Pray
Dear Father, we come before You today with hearts open and ready to receive Your guidance. Help us, Lord, to recognize and act on opportunities to promote what is good.
Grant us the strength to resist evil’s temptations and walk in Your light. We pray for a world in need of Your goodness, that more hearts may turn toward You.
In Jesus’ mighty and precious name, we pray. Amen.
My prayer for you today: Father divinely let this person be the change you need, promote what is good, and work to make this world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
Blessings!