Scripture Study - Good Works

 1/4/24 – Good Works:

… be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. (D&C 64:33)

… and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God… (Micah 6:8) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:10) … they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:8) … men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, … (D&C 58:27) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Tim. 3:17) … by works was faith made perfect … faith without works is dead… (James 2:22, 26)

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1 Jn. 3:18) And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. (Mosiah 2:17) Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. (Mosiah 5:15) I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 5:16)

For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts. (D&C 137:9) … and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. (1 Cor. 3:8) … for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Gal. 6:7) … They shall stand as a bright testimony against this people, at the judgment day; whereof they shall be judged, every man according to his works … (Mosiah 3:24) To them who by patient continuance in well doing … glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, … (Rom. 2:7, 10) … for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nep. 25:23)

For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. (Rom. 2:13) … be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, … (James 1:22) And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works. (Alma 7:24)

Insights: It is plainly obvious that the Lord wants us to be active in His Gospel. We were not sent here to just hear the Gospel and believe – we were sent to activate that belief through response. Not only do we need to solidify it in our own souls by putting it into action, but we need to be sharing it with others by serving them as Jesus served. As our love for God and Christ increases, this desire to serve others will change from obedience to reverence for God. We won’t be perfect in our service, and we won’t be able to serve everyone at all times, but if we are “anxiously engaged” and have a “desire” to serve at every opportunity, then the Lord will bless us more abundantly than we can imagine. I love the scripture in Malachi 3 that says, “… and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” The Lord is ready and willing to bless us but we need to be active participants in His mighty work. Our combined small efforts will make a world, even an eternity, of difference!