Doing Good When You Don't Feel Like It
Have you ever struggled with doing good? Even when you know you should do good, and kinda want to, it can still be difficult. This next month is a perfect time to show people kindness with the love of Jesus, but Satan will try to prevent you from showing love to others. Here are 5 obstacles to goodness and how to respond despite them.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9–10
1
People will disappoint you; give wisely and generously anyhow.
Have you ever shown kindness only to be given a cold shoulder or blank stare? Ever done good to someone only to see your sacrifice wasted or misused? We can easily become jaded and hardened over time because of self-centeredness in others. May God soften our hearts even when we’ve been wounded while doing good.
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:13–14
2
You are probably too busy; slow down and make time anyhow.
Many of us have overcrowded our schedules and left no extra margin for the “interruptions” of life. Because of our busyness we often rush through conversations, avoid people, or minimize our acts of kindness. People are not interruptions, they are opportunities. May God show us how to love others more than our schedule so that we have more time for doing good.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
3
You won’t feel like going out of your way; prioritize others anyhow.
Diets. Exercise. Flossing. We don’t usually feel like doing these things but we know they are good for us. Doing good to others, even out of discipline, is good for you. When faced with a request to do good, you may default towards inwardly groaning or mentally plotting excuses; choose to do good anyhow. Do you want to know God’s will for you? Do good.
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:15
4
When you are running on fumes; share your remaining energy with others anyhow.
Sometimes we fail to fill our tanks spiritually, emotionally, and mentally and are so drained that we feel that we have nothing left to give. In those moments, choose to give whatever you have left anyhow. Begin to reprioritize your days so that you start and finish with time in the Word and time in prayer. Out of a closer walk with Jesus you’ll find the energy to do good more readily and regularly.
Always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
5
When you feel like quitting; look out to see others anyhow.
Ever get so tired while walking that you just drag your feet with eyes focused on the ground? We sometimes do that in life too. If you find yourself so tired that you can’t seem to push forward and struggle with your surroundings, choose to look around you. Many others are suffering. Many are suffering more than you. You can make a difference in their life. God has a purpose for you, to show His love through your goodness.
If when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 1 Peter 2:20
Doing good is a choice you won’t regret. Choose to do good today, even when you don’t feel like it. You’ll be glad you did.