For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Let’s begin with this obvious statement: God does not need our “good works.” But it begs the question, “Then who does?” We know the answer: our neighbor does.

There are many hurting people around us. Some of them sit next to us in the pew, some live next door, or in the same home with us. Some of them bag our groceries or cut our hair (or what’s left of it).

Hurting people are all around us and they need something we have to give. Having been freed from the tyranny of earning God’s favor through Christ Jesus, we’re now free to serve our neighbor simply because they are our neighbors, and they are hurting.

We have our freedom in Christ. Now we can fix our neighbors’ roof, simply because it needs fixing.

David Boyd
Staunton, VA

Jesus, your “Good Work” on the Cross frees me to see my neighbors and to help them. Amen.

Reflect: Identify some people who could benefit from an encouraging word today?

Read: Ephesians 2:1-10 and Philippians 2:1-4