Doing Good Like Jesus

 Devotion: Doing Good Like Jesus

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” —Acts 10:38 (ESV)

Have you ever wanted to share your faith, but felt overwhelmed by fear, insecurity, or the idea that you’re not “spiritual enough”? You’re not alone. Many believers long to be more bold and active in sharing the Gospel, yet feel stuck. But today’s verse reminds us that Jesus didn’t begin His public ministry with a spotlight or a sermon. He started with doing good—simple acts of kindness, healing, and mercy.

If you are a born-again follower of Christ, the same Holy Spirit who empowered Jesus dwells within you. You’ve been anointed with that same Spirit—not for a life of spiritual spectatorship, but for one of compassionate action. Evangelism isn’t limited to pulpits or stadiums; it happens in grocery stores, office cubicles, and parking lots. It begins with doing good in Jesus’ name.

A few years ago, I was checking out at a crowded store during the holidays. The cashier looked worn out and barely smiled. On a prompting, I paused, looked her in the eyes, and said, “You’re doing a great job. I hope your day gets easier. God bless you.” Her eyes welled up, and she whispered, “Thank you… I really needed that today.” That small moment wasn’t about me—it was about Christ shining through a simple word of kindness. That’s doing good.

What if every day you looked for just one person to show kindness to? Hold a door, pay for a coffee, write an encouraging note, or simply listen to someone who needs to talk. And when they thank you? Gently point them to Jesus: “I’m just trying to reflect the kindness He’s shown me.”

Contemplation:

• Do you believe the Holy Spirit can use your everyday actions for eternal purposes?

• What’s stopping you from doing good today in Jesus’ name?

• Who in your life may be waiting for a touch of kindness that leads them closer to Christ?

Prayer:
Father God,
Thank You for anointing Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power—and for calling me to follow in His steps. I confess that fear, insecurity, and distraction often keep me from doing the good You've prepared for me. But today, I surrender that fear to You.
Fill me with holy boldness. Open my eyes to the opportunities around me to reflect Christ through kindness, service, and love. Let my actions point others not to my goodness, but to Yours. Prepare the hearts of those I will meet today, and may Your Spirit move through me in ways I cannot even see.
Thank You for choosing to work through ordinary people like me. I want to be ready. Use me today, Lord, for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.