The world teaches us to protect ourselves, stay suspicious, and respond with anger. Jesus offers something different. In this message from Matthew 5:13–20, we look at what it truly means to “do good” — not as moral performance, but as a visible witness of God’s compassion. Jesus calls us salt and light, forming a community that changes the environment around them. This is a call to a bolder good in a divided world.
Daily Devotional:
Monday: Understanding the Nature of Goodness
Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16
Devotional:
Start the week by contemplating the nature of goodness in your life. Jesus calls us the salt and light of the world, not as a command to become, but as a statement of identity. Reflect on what it means to exist for the purpose of changing the environment around you.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does it mean to you to be "salt" and "light" in your current environment?
2. Can you identify situations where you have been a transformative presence for others?
3. How can recognizing your inherent goodness change your approach to daily challenges?
Additional Scripture: John 1:5
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Tuesday: Moving Beyond Performance
Scripture: Matthew 23:27-28
Devotional:
Explore the differences between genuine goodness and moral performance. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their focus on appearance rather than substance. Consider how often society's definition of being "good" aligns with merely being seen as good.
Reflection Questions:
1. Are there areas in your life where you feel pressured to perform goodness rather than live it genuinely?
2. How do you react to the notion that goodness can become a performance rather than a witness?
3. Can you think of a time when you did a good deed without the need for recognition?
Additional Scripture: Galatians 1:10
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Wednesday: Witness Through Compassion
Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14
Devotional:
Consider how compassion rooted in God’s love is a witness to the world. Unlike the world's tendency towards suspicion and division, compassion is a moral courage that reflects God’s nature.
Reflection Questions:
1. How can God’s compassion influence your interactions, especially with those who might be difficult to love?
2. What small acts of kindness can you perform that don't seek attention but serve as a witness to God’s love?
3. Where in your life can you replace suspicion with compassion?
Additional Scripture: Ephesians 4:32
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Thursday: The Challenge of Compassion
Scripture: Romans 12:9-21
Devotional:
Reflect on how genuine, God-centered compassion challenges the norm. The world may perceive some compassionate acts as naïve or weak, yet they are powerful expressions of God’s kingdom.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have you faced challenges or skepticism when choosing compassion over cynicism?
2. How can you strengthen your resolve to show compassion even when it is difficult?
3. What role does humility play in your acts of kindness?
Additional Scripture: 1 John 3:17-18
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Friday: A Call to Be a Blessing
Scripture: Genesis 12:2-3
Devotional:
Conclude the week by focusing on how you can be a blessing wherever you are. Rather than focusing on doing more, prioritize being more present and attentive to the opportunities for goodness around you.
Reflection Questions:
1. How can being present in your daily life open up new avenues for blessing others?
2. What stops you from being fully present in the moments God has given you?
3. How can being a blessing influence your relationships and community?
Additional Scripture: Philippians 2:3-4
Reflecting on these elements throughout the week will serve to deepen your understanding of the sermon and help you apply its truths in practical ways.
