We tend to focus on sins of commission – that means the wrong things we do. But what about sins of omission – the good that we fail to do? In Christ’s parables, when someone was condemned, it was often over a sin of omission. A man was made to leave a wedding because he had no wedding garment (see Matthew 22:12). Five virgins were excluded from the wedding party because they had no oil in their lamps (see Matthew 25:3-11). A servant who buried his talent in the ground, instead of using it, had to give it up (see Matthew 25:25-28). A rich man who failed to care for his neighbour was condemned for it (see Luke 16:19-24). A barren fig tree that failed to produce fruit was cursed and died (see Mark 11:20-24).

The deepest spiritual life isn’t one that’s spent learning the Bible off by heart and being able to call a verse to mind at a moment’s notice. It’s actually one that’s spent doing good to others. ‘Then the King will…say…“I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.” Then they will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?” And He will answer, “I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me”’ (Matthew 25:41-45 NLT). So whenever we have a chance to do good, let’s do it!

What Now?

Think back over yesterday – were there any times when you had the opportunity to do something kind or caring, but chose not to? Today, ask God to help you follow through whenever He nudges you to do something good.