Charitable works - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.Whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
Ephesians 2:8; 1 John 3:17

Charitable works
Centuries ago a wealthy Frenchman hoped to improve his chances of salvation by a charitable work. Here is the documentation: "I, Nicolas Rolin, knight, citizen of Autun, Lord of Authumes and Chancellor of Burgundy, this day, Sunday, 4th August in the year of our Lord 1443 in the interest of my salvation, desirous of exchanging temporal for celestial goods, found and endow irrevocably in the city of Beaune a hospital for sick paupers together with a chapel in honour of God."

For those who think that good works will balance the scales in their favour, the Bible reminds us of our total inability to do anything to save us. One thing alone, "the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 5:7). Trying to add our own merits to what Jesus has accomplished would reduce His glory and under-estimate the value of His work on the cross. Nothing but faith in Jesus Christ saves us.

Has a believer nothing more to do? Can he remain inactive and not think of the good of others? Certainly not! Faith without works is dead (cf. James 2:17). Believers should be exemplary in doing good. "Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works" (Titus 3:8). God sees our heart and knows our motive. We cannot achieve our salvation, but we can be ready to perform good deeds that will honour Jesus, our Saviour and Master.

Today's reading: Jeremiah 50:1-28 · Romans 14:13-23