Rev. Don Campbell
Christian Do-Gooders
“Justice delayed is justice denied” is an oft-quoted statement attributed to the English statesman William Gladstone. However, it is found in the Jewish Mishnah, the first written collection of the oral traditions of the rabbis, which was compiled approximately 200 years before Christ.
Solomon said, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it” (Proverbs 3:27, ESV). In context, Solomon is speaking of withholding payment of something due to another, whether wages or repayment of a loan.
However, Jesus tells us that the second commandment is “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). We all owe a debt of love to all, and Paul said, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10).
Christians ought to be known as do-gooders.
