Do Good And Share
We might also read this phrase as doing good by sharing. There are numerous ways of doing good (Matthew 25:35-40; Luke 6 :35-36; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; Hebrews 13:1-2; Galatians 6:6), but sharing what we have is one of the ways God specifically tells us to do good (Ephesians 4:28). The phrase to communicate means to impart or give to others; that is, to share with them what we have.
Finally, we know that God is pleased with the sacrifices of prayer and of praise; with the offerings of a broken and a contrite heart: but he is especially pleased with the religion that leads us to do good to others (2 Thessalonians 3:13; Luke 18:22; Romans 12:13). This was the work of Jesus (Acts 10:38); and to this work all true religion points (Acts 9:36). The word “sacrifices” here is not taken in a strict sense of what is offered as an expiation for sin, or in the sense that we, by doing good, are attempting to make atonement for our transgressions, but in the general sense of an offering made to God. God is pleased with this because it shows in us a right state of heart.
“Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:7-8).
Beth Johnson
The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The King James Version.
The King James Version.
Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)
(http://www.oldpaths.com)