Introduction to Good Deeds to Do
The Bible offers a wealth of guidance when it comes to good deeds to do. Verses like Matthew 25:35-40 and James 1:27 show that feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, and caring for widows and orphans are highly valued by God. However, some of the clearest instructions come from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), where He taught not just what to do—but how to do it with humility, sincerity, and love.
In this article, we explore 10 good deeds to do directly drawn from the Sermon on the Mount. For each, we highlight an example from either the Old or New Testament of someone who put Jesus’ words into action.
1. Be Merciful (Matthew 5:7)
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Biblical Examples:
- Joseph forgave his brothers who sold him into slavery (Genesis 45). Despite years of betrayal and hardship, he wept and embraced them, choosing mercy over revenge.
- David spared Saul’s life multiple times (1 Samuel 24, 26). Even while being hunted, David showed restraint and honored God’s anointed.
- Jesus forgave those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). Hanging on the cross, He asked God to forgive His executioners, demonstrating ultimate mercy.
2. Be a Peacemaker (Matthew 5:9)
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Biblical Examples:
- Abigail defused David’s anger (1 Samuel 25). She humbly approached him with gifts and wise words, preventing bloodshed.
- Moses intervened between quarreling Israelites (Exodus 2:13). Even as a young man, Moses sought to reconcile conflict among his people.
- Paul urged unity between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14-18). He emphasized peace through Christ, who broke down dividing walls of hostility.
3. Mourn with the Brokenhearted (Matthew 5:4)
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Biblical Examples:
- Nehemiah wept over Jerusalem’s condition (Nehemiah 1:4). His mourning stirred a call to action and leadership.
- Jeremiah mourned for the sin of his people (Jeremiah 9:1). He was known as the weeping prophet because of his deep grief.
- Jesus wept over Lazarus and those mourning (John 11:35). His tears showed His compassion and shared sorrow.
4. Let Your Light Shine (Matthew 5:16)
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Biblical Examples:
- Tabitha helped the poor and was beloved (Acts 9:36). She was known for her acts of kindness, especially making clothing for widows, and was raised from the dead because of her impact.
- Daniel stood out for his faith and integrity (Daniel 6). Even in a hostile kingdom, he remained visibly faithful to God, which led to both persecution and divine rescue.
- John the Baptist prepared people for Christ (John 1:6-8). He boldly preached repentance and lived a set-apart life, making the way for Jesus.
5. Go the Extra Mile (Matthew 5:41)
“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”
Biblical Examples:
- Rebekah offered water to both man and camels (Genesis 24:18-20). Her generous hospitality led to her becoming part of the lineage of Christ.
- Elisha followed Elijah beyond expectation (2 Kings 2). He refused to leave Elijah’s side, proving his loyalty and receiving a double portion of his spirit.
- Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:5). He went beyond what was expected of a teacher to humbly serve His followers, modeling servant leadership.
6. Love Your Enemies (Matthew 5:44)
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Biblical Examples:
- Stephen prayed for his attackers (Acts 7:60). As he was being stoned, he echoed Jesus’ words, asking God not to hold the sin against them.
- Jesus forgave His tormentors (Luke 23:34). Despite unbearable suffering, He extended grace to His enemies.
- Elisha fed and spared the Aramean army (2 Kings 6:22-23). Instead of punishing them, he gave them a feast and sent them home in peace.
7. Give in Secret (Matthew 6:3-4)
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing… Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Biblical Examples:
- Cornelius gave generously and prayed regularly (Acts 10:2-4). His private devotion was so pleasing to God that an angel was sent to him.
- The poor widow gave all she had in secret (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus praised her offering above all others because it came from a place of deep sacrifice.
- Joseph of Arimathea gave Jesus his own tomb quietly (John 19:38). Though a secret disciple, he courageously honored Jesus after His death.
8. Forgive Others (Matthew 6:14-15)
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Biblical Examples:
- Esau forgave Jacob warmly (Genesis 33). After years of estrangement, he ran to meet Jacob with compassion instead of vengeance.
- Joseph forgave his brothers (Genesis 50:19-21). He comforted them, reminding them that God used their actions for good.
- Jesus taught forgiveness from the cross (Luke 23:34). His act of mercy, even while dying, became the ultimate model of forgiveness.
9. Pray Sincerely (Matthew 6:6)
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.”
Biblical Examples:
- Daniel prayed faithfully despite risk (Daniel 6:10). He chose prayer over safety, trusting God even under threat of death.
- Hannah prayed silently with deep emotion (1 Samuel 1:10-13). Though misunderstood, she poured out her soul to God in heartfelt devotion.
- Jesus often withdrew to pray alone (Mark 1:35). He modeled intimacy with the Father through consistent, personal prayer.
10. Seek God First (Matthew 6:33)
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Biblical Examples:
- Solomon sought wisdom above riches (1 Kings 3:9-13). God rewarded his kingdom-first mindset with unmatched wisdom and prosperity.
- Mary prioritized Jesus’ teaching (Luke 10:39-42). She sat at His feet, valuing spiritual nourishment over worldly distractions.
- Paul considered everything loss for Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). He abandoned status and privilege to pursue Christ’s calling.
Conclusion: 10 Good Deeds to Do
These good deeds to do go beyond surface-level charity. They invite us to cultivate a transformed heart, modeled after Christ, and to live a life that points others back to Him.
The Sermon on the Mount is filled with good deeds to do—acts that reflect the heart of God and lead us into deeper discipleship. Throughout the Bible, we see many faithful individuals who sought to live out these teachings, sometimes imperfectly but often with great courage and humility. Yet none fulfilled them more completely than Jesus Himself. As recorded in the New Testament, He not only taught good deeds to do, but lived them to perfection—without flaw or failure. Jesus is the ultimate model of righteousness, the One who did what no one before or after could do.
A Prayer for Repentance and Acceptance of Christ
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for showing me what true goodness looks like through Jesus’ teachings. I know I have fallen short, and I confess my sins. I believe Jesus Christ died and rose again for my salvation.
I accept Him as my Lord and Savior. Please change my heart, help me to seek Your kingdom first, and empower me to live out these good deeds with humility and love.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.