Intro: Good Deed Examples
The Bible is filled with stories of compassion, humility, and sacrificial love. These stories aren’t just ancient history—they’re timeless examples of how we are called to live. If you’ve ever wondered how to embody Christian kindness in your daily life, studying good deeds examples from the Bible is a great place to start. In fact, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) teaches that our good deeds should shine before others, not for our own glory, but so others may glorify our Father in heaven.
Let’s take a closer look at fourteen powerful good deeds examples – 7 from the Old Testament and 7 from the New Testament—that still speak to us today.
Old Testament Good Deeds Examples
1. Abraham Welcomes Strangers (Genesis 18:1-8)
Abraham offered hospitality to three visitors, not knowing they were messengers from God. His kindness brought about a great blessing.
“He said, ‘Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree.'” – Genesis 18:4
2. Joseph Forgives His Brothers (Genesis 45:4-15)
Joseph, once sold into slavery by his own brothers, rose to power in Egypt. When his brothers came in need, he chose forgiveness over revenge, providing for them in a time of famine.
“Do not be distressed… because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” – Genesis 45:5
3. Ruth Stays Loyal to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17)
Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi is one of the earliest good deeds examples demonstrating family devotion and sacrificial love.
“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” – Ruth 1:16
4. Boaz Provides for Ruth (Ruth 2:8-16)
Boaz ensured that Ruth, a foreign widow, was cared for while gleaning in his fields. His kindness eventually led to their marriage.
“I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law… May the Lord repay you for what you have done.” – Ruth 2:11-12
5. David Spares Saul’s Life (1 Samuel 24:1-22)
Though Saul was hunting him, David refused to harm the Lord’s anointed when given the chance, showing mercy instead of vengeance.
“I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.” – 1 Samuel 24:10
6. The Widow of Zarephath Helps Elijah (1 Kings 17:8-16)
Despite her dire situation, the widow gave Elijah the last of her food, and God miraculously sustained her household.
“She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.” – 1 Kings 17:15
7. Elisha Heals Naaman Through Obedience (2 Kings 5:1-14)
Elisha didn’t perform a dramatic act but instructed Naaman to wash in the Jordan. His obedience brought healing, showing how simple acts can lead to great change.
“So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times… and his flesh was restored.” – 2 Kings 5:14
New Testament Good Deeds Examples
8. The Good Samaritan Shows Mercy (Luke 10:25-37)
Perhaps one of the most well-known good deeds examples, the Good Samaritan illustrates selfless compassion.
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” – Luke 10:33
Read more about the Gospel of Luke on Wikipedia
9. Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-17)
Jesus humbled Himself to wash His disciples’ feet—a job reserved for servants.
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:14
10. Barnabas Encourages and Gives Generously (Acts 4:36-37)
Barnabas sold his land to support the early church and advocated for others.
“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus… sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” – Acts 4:36-37
11. The Widow Gives All She Has (Mark 12:41-44)
A poor widow gave two small coins—everything she had.
“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” – Mark 12:43
12. The Early Church Shares Everything (Acts 2:44-45)
Believers lived in unity and shared all they had.
“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” – Acts 2:45
13. Tabitha (Dorcas) Cares for the Poor (Acts 9:36-42)
Tabitha was known for her acts of kindness and making clothing for widows. She was raised from the dead by Peter because of her impact.
“She was always doing good and helping the poor.” – Acts 9:36
14. Paul and Silas Sing in Prison (Acts 16:25-34)
Even while imprisoned, Paul and Silas encouraged others through their faith. Their worship led to the jailer’s conversion.
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” – Acts 16:31
These good deeds examples from Scripture not only show what godly action looks like, but they remind us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Whether it’s showing mercy, serving others, forgiving, or giving sacrificially, the Bible calls us to reflect Christ in our daily lives. And the only way you can reflect Christ is to have Christ and his words in you.
A Prayer for Repentance and Acceptance of Christ
Heavenly Father,
I come to You today acknowledging my sins and my need for Your mercy. Thank You for showing me what true compassion and humility look like through Your Word. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again so that I may have eternal life. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness.
Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Come into my heart and guide my steps so I may live a life filled with good deeds that glorify You. Help me to serve others, love deeply, and walk in obedience to Your Word.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.