Praise & Pray

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May 1, 2026

Can You Do Good To Everyone? - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) May 1, 2026

We often convince ourselves that certain people deserve to be treated badly. Maybe the neighborhood bully or the person who told a vicious lie about us. We have all sorts of reasons to justify treating someone less than we would treat someone we believe deserves our kindness.

But what if I told you that's wrong and unscriptural, would you believe me? Well, you don't have to take my word for it, but I hope you will take the Bible as the truth. Consider Galatians 6:10 - Whenever we have the opportunity, we have to do what is good for everyone, especially for the family of believers (GWT).

This verse tells us to be good to everyone. Not just those we deem worthy. Everyone. This does not mean we should condone wicked and ungodly behavior or treatment from others towards ourselves or others. The Bible teaches us to forgive those who hurt us, pray for them, and, unless instructed otherwise by the Lord, give them a wide berth, trusting God the Defender to work on our behalf. On our part, we need to continue in God's kindness, living to please Him. And as for those who are cruel to others, remember, Jesus taught us not to ignore justice (Luke 11:42). We are empowered to protect people from the wicked and should endeavor to do so.

That same Jesus also said in Matthew 7:1 - “Do not judge and criticize and condemn [others unfairly with an attitude of self-righteous superiority as though assuming the office of a judge], so that you will not be judged [unfairly] (AMP). It is easy to be blind to this warning, but, believe it or not, we judge when we decide someone deserves less kindness from us, even when they themselves are unkind. In doing so, we forget the Royal Law, which requires us to treat others as we want to be treated. And the fact that God will sometimes permit unfair treatment and suffering. Not because He is unjust, but because He uses these as vehicles for blessings and great rewards.

Let's go back to the tail end of Galatians 6:10. Note that it tells us to be especially good to our fellow believers. How many of us practice this? We may not even realize that it is in the Bible. Regardless, you're likely thinking that there are so many fake Christians who eventually show their true selves. You've been burned before, and having been 'twice bitten' as the saying goes, you are already 'twice shy.'

I understand because I've been there, done that, have a t-shirt, a car bumper sticker, and a fridge magnet for the effort. But you know what I've learned? I only experienced disappointment when I leaned on my intelligence instead of relying on God's wisdom. The Lord is intentional about steering us away from those we should avoid, so we don't waste time with them or get hurt. When we are genuinely intent on obeying His word, He will steer us to true believers so we can be more than good to them. And even if it is part of His plan for us to experience those who pretend to be true disciples, we can rest assured that He does everything for our good, so we will come out of that better.

He will also teach us how to be good to other people, even when they don't deserve it, because of how they behave. After all, He showed us His goodness and love by sending His Son to die for our sins. We didn’t deserve the sacrifice, and given that we remain sinners whom God is working on, we should be grateful He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10). He is committed to making us the vessels He uses to shower loving kindness on others. And we can do so much good when we show the unkind person the love of Christ rather than complain about them. We can do this by praying for them, being patient, and slow to anger (Galatians 5:22; James 1:19).

And yes, this won't come naturally to everyone, and it could take a while to get the hang of it. This I can say from experience. Still, when we remember the grace and love we enjoy, we can have faith that God, who shows us such kindness, will help us show some of the same to others. We simply have to be willing to obey Him and do good to everyone. God called us to do it, and that means He will equip us to succeed. So, ask God right now for grace to not only do good to all people, but also love the unbeliever and especially fellow believers. The Lord will answer you and strengthen you, IJMN Amen.

As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:

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Hannah L

May 01

Thank you for this message. God is dealing with me in this area. To not hold people hostage in my heart unintentionally. It’s the do good to people even when they are doing bad to you. It’s instinctive to want to avoid those who hurt you. It’s a constant choice to do what thus says the Lord. I also don’t want to be judge by the same measure I’m judging them. God is the ultimate defender. He has definitely steered me clear of people that I’m not supposed to have dealings with. So every opportunity I am in the presence of those, I should put on Christ . Lord let my desire to want to do your will over power my feelings of not wanting to be mistreated or looked out as pressed or weak In intentionally talking to people in a nice way who are destroying me behind my back. I plead the blood of Jesus over everywhere my name is mentioned. Lord continue to advocate for me. Help me to do your will.

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