“Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness” (Genesis 1:3-4).
The theme of “goodness” persists throughout the Bible. Nevertheless, taking time to recognize and honor this theme’s prevalence in the Bible can often be a refreshing and rejuvenating reminder of what God has called mankind to do: good.
The first chapter of Genesis describes God’s creation of Earth as good. In John 10:11, Jesus explains, “I am the good shepherd.” Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 10:24 that “No one should seek his own good, but the good of the other person.” Furthermore, there are countless other examples of great spiritual leaders who asked God for His goodness, declared Him to be good, and thanked Him for doing good.
We are given chances to exhibit God’s goodness in our modern-day lives more often than we probably recognize.
Here are some fun, thoughtful ways to do good:
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Run a 5K for a charity event.
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Write someone a get-well-soon, happy birthday, or just-thinking-of-you card.
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Spend time listening to someone who just wants to chat.
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Randomly smile at a stranger for no reason to brighten his or her day.
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Visit your grandparent(s) unannounced to surprise them.
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Pray for someone whom you notice looks as though they’re sad. God can move mountains. Prayer moves God.
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Bake one of your friends some cookies.
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Pay for the person’s food in the vehicle behind you in the drive-thru line.
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Clean out your closet and donate the clothes you aren’t wearing to Goodwill or a local thrift store.
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Give blood.
Rebecca Lee Curry graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. with a Bachelor of Arts in English Teaching and is currently a full-time English grad student. She works as an adjunct writing instructor and English tutor at Columbia State Community College and as a proofreader for Thomas Nelson, Inc. Rebecca loves spending time with her family, reading, running, and camping.