Do you like to help others? Encourage them? Be silent with them when their world is filled with tears, when someone or something has “thrown a grenade in their dream box? Do you like to do good deeds? Do random acts of kindness bring you a special joy? Have you ever seen a homeless person and offered to take them to get a meal or keep a care package in your car to give to them? If so, WHY do you do these things? I know many unbelieving friends who are so good at expressing compassion and human kindness to others. How much more should we be motivated to do good works, being filled with the compassion of God, which he renews every single morning.

But there’s more than doing good works to help people or because we feel good about it. In fact, sometimes we can do so many good works they wear us down. But there’s a better way. Paul writes to Titus (chapter 2) about doing good works for the sake of the gospel. In other words, they are not just good deeds that help people. They are doorways or bridges we use to carry God’s practical love and redeeming hope to others.

• Teach what is appropriate and in keeping with God’s Word. Not just our own opinions or advice.
• For the sake of the gospel, teach to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. Sometimes we teach others by words; often a better teacher is our own actions that reflect these qualities.
• Likewise, we are to express and encourage to live reverent lives, not filled with callous, disrespectful, or harsh talk, but instead filled with God’s goodness.
• For the sake of the gospel, we’re reminded that one of the best gifts we can give to our children is the promise and committed demonstration that mom and dad love each other and will never leave each other. That is not only a gift of security and peace to our children and also an example to them, but a testimony to others. We receive countless comments when Marcia and I walk the hospital corridors hand in hand,  also visiting with others along the way. How you love your spouse – and others – is a reflection of how you love God.
• Our teaching and example is also intended to reflect integrity in what we say and do. Beyond what is legal or moral or write, we need to demonstrate integrity in speaking and doing what is best and living a life beyond reproach.
• We are taught to submit to God and sometimes to others, for the sake of the gospel. It is for this gospel of good news and hope that we let God’s grace speak to our disappointments and extend God’s grace to others.
• We say “No” not only to ungodly things but to things that waste our life, or are merely good, but not God’s best for us.
• It is for the sake of the gospel that we don’t just live for today but eagerly long for the hope when God’s full glory will be revealed on earth and in heaven. And we do all this not in our own strength or wisdom, but in the authority that God gives us through his Holy Spirit… For the sake of the gospel.

Instead of doing good because it feels good, what is one take away from Paul’s message that will help you do good… For the sake of the gospel?