August 29

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. — Eph 2:10 BSB

Good works, in their truest sense, spring from the inward operation of God’s grace. When He makes the tree good, the fruit becomes good as well (Matt. 12:33). It is God who works in us both the desire and the ability to do what pleases Him (Phil. 2:13). By His transforming grace, we are renewed in our minds to discern His good, acceptable, and perfect will (Romans 12:2). When this will is sought after, good works naturally follow. These good works include acts of love, kindness, and generosity towards God’s people; moments of self-denial and a willingness to suffer rather than commit wrong; unselfish desires to do good according to our means and circumstances; integrity and uprightness in all dealings; fulfilling our word, even to our own loss; and fulfilling our duties in our relationships—whether as husbands, wives, fathers, or mothers. These, which are often called good by men, are truly good only when wrought by the power of God in our hearts, lips, and lives.