Do not envy evil people, or desire to be with them, for their hearts contemplate violence, and their lips speak mischief. Proverbs 24:1-2, TLV
Are Good Deeds Punished? There is a saying I really dislike: “No good deed goes unpunished.” The world seems to revel in sin and revile Godly behavior. And more times than we like to think, our good deeds can, at best, be ignored, and at worst, get us into trouble.
Apparently, judging from these verses today, this sort of thing has been going on for a long time.
But, really, do we seek and do the things of GOD to be rewarded by the world? I think most of us would answer, “No.” We seek and do the things of GOD because we love Him and His people.
Apart from the good deeds we do, Jesus was clear that merely living in this world we’re going to have trouble. We can have peace in the midst of that. And that peace — that shalom — means when ridicule towards us personally and what we do, occurs, it shouldn’t stop us from continuing to do good.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom. In the world you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world!” John 16:33, TLV
When we think of our Messiah taking the abuse on our behalf and
still pressing in and through to complete His task — His mission — it reminds us that He did it for love. His love will protect our hearts from what the world tries to do to us. And that’s a good thing.
Think More About It
Have you ever experienced a good deed that was “punished”? How do you process that? Did it affect your faith?
Until tomorrow, may we press in with Godly behavior, my friends.
Many are asking, “Who will show us some good?”
May the light of Your face shine upon us, ADONAI [LORD]!
You have put joy in my heart—
more joy than when their grain and new wine overflow.
I will lie down and sleep in shalom.
For You alone, Adonai, make me live securely. Psalm 4:7-9, TLV
I imagine there are many in Israel who are asking this question, “Who will show us some good?” Today, let’s pray for the light of the LORD’s face to shine upon them. That He would put joy in their hearts and that they can lie down in shalom and security. God bless you!
