Known for Doing Good

“…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” Acts 10:38 

This past Sunday we took a break from our normal Sunday service for a neighborhood cleanup. Before we began picking up trash, Bill reflected on the description of Jesus in Acts 10. Jesus was known for going around “doing good.” He encouraged us all to do likewise. Bill charged us, “Could you imagine if your neighbor knew you for being that person that went around doing good?” 

Those words really struck me. I thought about my neighborhood. Am I contributing to my neighborhood? Am I a good neighbor? What am I known for? I quickly realized I am often pretty isolated. Rushing in and out of my house—sometimes interacting with others, but often zooming by folks and pieces of trash I see. I would say I’m an average neighbor. Then I thought of my neighbor Carol across the street. Carol is not necessarily all warm and fuzzy, but she is someone that checks in on everyone, picks up trash, watches people’s houses, knocks on doors if your car is out for street sweeping, gardens out front, and so much more. Carol is a good neighbor. She is someone I would describe as “going around doing good” like Jesus. I want to be more like Carol. I want to be more like Jesus. 

This week, what would it look like for you to be a good neighbor? What impression do you make on your neighbors? Do people feel safe, seen, and good around you? Are you someone that is rushing by others or stopping and saying a genuine “hello”? Are you cultivating a good home and neighborhood? Stick with these questions. Do something good this week in your neighborhood. Maybe it is picking up trash, maybe it is having a longer conversation with the woman who is lonely across the street or hall. Keep leaning in. Ask God to show you their heart for good and move you into action, like Jesus. 

• Dottie Oleson