6 Goodness to Others

Among the lines of reasoning employed by the apostle to show the work of conversion in our lives is an unusual one, taking the form of an exhortation. It is in 1 John 3.18-19:

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.”

The apostle speaks here about compassion and doing good to other believers, colleagues and family, whatever their needs, and shows that this is a sign of the work of the Holy Spirit within. Have we had a mysterious and dramatic change of heart? Has the urge and desire been strangely formed in us to do good and to help other people?

Not long ago, perhaps, someone would ask about our career intentions and we would answer in terms of what we would earn, what we would enjoy, or what status we would secure from a possible line of work. But now all that concerns us is what good it will do. What will be the point of it? Suddenly it is not all for me. A new way of thinking is operating within us—what is best, what is noble, what is worthwhile.

We did not bring this about. We did not accomplish it. We did not change our thinking from selfish to useful, it was the Spirit of God, and now we can say, “God has put better standards, values and concerns into me.”

We have heard it said many times from a parent about converted offspring, ‘He is so different at home.’ It may be that he now helps with the dishes and it seems as a miracle. Son and daughter have suddenly become less preoccupied with their own affairs, and have become naturally helpful, and the apostle writes, ‘Hereby we know that we are of the truth.’

* * *

We have reviewed some of the apostle’s evidences of a work of grace, all of which help us combat doubts about salvation. But we must end where we began, with the exhortation at the end of 1 John 5.13 –“. . . that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God”. If God has worked in our hearts, we have a duty, an obligation and privilege to actively believe. Our assignment from God is to exercise faith, and to trust him and live for him. A sporting illustration may help.

There was a young man in our congregation years ago who went off to a university renowned for sport. It was not his subject, but he found every opportunity to excel in his chosen game, and I can imagine that he put all his vigour, pace and expertise into it. But being home during a vacation he confessed to me, “I am a complete failure in the Christian life. I just do not get anywhere. I have not accomplished anything. Where do I start?”

to be continued