Jesus' Perfect Example: Doing Good Through Small Things

An experience made me reflect on my life as a follower of Jesus.

While waiting for my biographical novel to be published, I promoted it to friends. The responses I received varied widely. Some were enthusiastic and ordered right away, some refused to buy it, and some ignored my message.

However, there was one response from a friend that left the deepest impression. Besides congratulating me and ordering one copy, this friend offered to help promote it.  And, he was not just talking. A month later, I sent six copies of the book to him.

Feeling grateful, I told my friends about his kindness. How surprised I was to hear their testimony. “Oh, that brother is really so kind,” said one friend. “No doubt about it, he is indeed friendly and  likes to help,” added another.

The testimonies about this friend left me amazed, and at the same time stirred me. I was moved to reflect on myself: what is other people's testimony about me as a disciple of Jesus?

Disciples of Jesus Must Shine

Jesus expects His disciples to shine in the darkness through good deeds.

Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

In the midst of daily busyness, often we do not have time even to greet one another. On the bus, for example, passengers are absorbed in their own phones and reluctant to interact with one another. Of course, this is understandable because they do not know each other.

But why is a scene like this also seen in church, even at the dinner table? Instead of eating while chatting and sharing stories, family members are busy playing with their own gadgets .

That is why people who are willing to care, greet others, and even offer help without being asked are rare. As disciples of Jesus, we ought to be part of these rare people.

There Is a Reward for Every Good Deed

Doing good should indeed not be done for the sake of praise. However, good deeds are usually remembered by people.

When the early church chose seven people to serve the poor, the criterion that was set was people who were known to be good. This standard is relevant, because serving the poor requires an above-average measure of kindness.

Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. – Acts 6:3

The first name proposed was Stephen. Referring to Matthew 5:16 above, this means that Stephen had become a shining light so that the people around him could see his good deeds. As it happened, he carried out his ministry and held on to his faith to the end. Stephen's kindness made the Lord Jesus Himself come to welcome him (Acts 7:56). Eternal heaven was Stephen's greatest reward.

Besides Stephen, there are many other figures in the Bible who were diligent in doing good. For example, Tabitha in Acts 9:36-42 and Cornelius in Acts 10. God also gave rewards to both of them: rising from the dead for Tabitha and the opportunity to become a disciple of Jesus for Cornelius, as proof that the gift of salvation is given to all nations.

It is not only great deeds that will be rewarded by God. Much more than for those who are diligent in giving and helping others, even for those who give a cup of water to others, the Lord does not forget to prepare a reward (Mark 9:41).

Jesus Is the Role Model

The Bible records many good deeds that Jesus did. Healing the sick, feeding the hungry, restoring the disabled, forgiving the guilty, and strengthening the weak. Jesus never repaid evil with evil; instead, He forgave and continued to bless those who did evil to Him.

Perhaps we cannot perform great miracles like Jesus, nor are we able to hand out money or donate as much as wealthy benefactors. However, everyone can do good with a caring heart as their capital.

Here are some small good deeds we can do:

1. Smile

Giving a smile to a friend is ordinary. Smiling at someone annoying, that is extraordinary. A smile can wipe away sadness. A sincere smile can strengthen a weary heart after going through a hard day. So, put down that phone screen for a moment, and  smile!

2. Greet Others

Being friendly not only gives us more friends, but can also “save” that friend. A warm greeting is powerful for opening a conversation, while also opening a stuck mind. An annoying day becomes more colorful, and an empty heart is filled. Do not turn your face away, much less pretend not to see our friends. Greet them, and see the sweet result!

3. Give Encouragement

In everyday conversation, avoid the urge to lecture, belittle, or especially judge the person we are talking with. Accept other people's feelings without arguing with them. Acknowledge their strengths and praise those who deserve it. Do not hesitate to congratulate others on their success. Uplifting words are beautiful, so speak them!

4. Be Generous

Giving out of lack, that is what is called generosity. Listen to a friend's complaints when we also have our own burdens. Visit and pray for others when we ourselves have many struggles. Rather than bargaining for goods as cheaply as possible, bless the seller by paying the normal price. Give a tip to motorcycle taxi drivers, newspaper carriers, or parking attendants when your pocket is running thin.

That care may seem small, and the amount we set aside may not be much, but it means a great deal to others. Surely the relieved smile on their faces will make us happier!

The kindness  that we show, no matter how small, will lighten burdens and brighten other people's lives. Just as one friend's offer to help promote my book became an extraordinary source of encouragement in the midst of the many negative responses I received.

Jesus is the perfect example in doing good. Perhaps we cannot be that perfect, but let us keep practicing. May we shine and be known as disciples of Jesus who are diligent in doing good. Amen.

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