There is an amazing gift that you can give this Christmas that is literally priceless. In the book 31 Ways to be a One Another Christian the authors remind us of the gift of doing good to one another. It is a gift so easily ignored, but there are few things in life that can match the power of the gift of goodness. The book explains it is this way:
“See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”
In 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Paul uses the present tense to show that seeking after good for one another person should not be a temporary or sporadic action, but rather should be ongoing. The word “seek” indicates pursuing something. There is an active involvement, not an apathetic indifference. There is a hunt to do good. In other words, believers are eager to seek after the good of one another.
This passage is slightly different from the other “one another” commands because believers not only seek after good for other believers (one another), but also for unbelievers (all men) as well. It is most natural and easy to seek after one’s own good. It is also easy to seek good for one’s own family.
How can one seek to do good for one another—and also for people who are outside of the Christian faith? Maybe it is as simple as buying someone a cup of coffee. Perhaps you can offer to mow a neighbor’s lawn or walk her dog. How about bringing dinner to her home or inviting her over for dinner? If not dinner, how about dessert? Doing good does not need to cost much time or money. But it does require thoughtfulness and care.
For example: Make a list of the three most recent things you have done to pursue good for others.
Then write down the names of three believers for whom you can seek to do good. What specifically will you do and why?
This Christmas give lasting gifts that you won’t find under a tree!