Doing What is Good:
Paul outlines life before Christ & life after. Before Christ, we are selfish, bickering, rebellious people. After Christ, we are filled with His love and compassion and we treat others with humility.
This comparison has been pointed out quite often in our readings. Without Christ we don't really understand what love is. Without Christ, our lives revolve around ourselves. How tedious. When it's all about me, me, me - my world stays very small & lonely. After we gain a true knowledge of who God is. Once we realize that true love is sacrifice and relationship, our world becomes all about Him, Him, Him. Our eyes are opened & our world expands. Loneliness flees when we start reaching out to others. Love expands and overflows as we truly grasp the incredible work Jesus accomplished on the cross. The suffering He experienced, willingly for you, for me - how can I do anything other than praise Him, thank Him, and live for Him?
If I really believe that Jesus is real, that He loves me, that He died for me, that He knows what is best for me - why would I act any differently than what He asks? Humility, love, compassion, kindness, obedience - these are worthy traits that lead to a live of peace and joy. But you can't get there without faith and a relationship with God.
So, look to God. Don't let others who are still living and acting as the world does pull you down. Pray for them, be kind to them, but don't let them influence your life. Leave that up to God.
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