Doing What Is Right Is Its Own Reward

Last updated on: May 19, 2025 at 10:55 am by Michele Howe

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Doing What Is Right Is Its Own Reward 2025-05-19T10:55:40-05:00 Michele Howe

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love others

Love Others Above Yourself

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

James 4:17

“In many ways, sin is the punishment for sin. The more I choose against God’s design and give in to my sinful desires, the more I suffer even if I never get caught, even if no one else knows.”

Philip Yancey

How much would you pay for a clean conscience? To sleep sound at night? To enjoy a guilt-free existence? What about the basking in a conflict-free zone with co-workers, family, friends, and neighbors alike? Ever considered how much value we place on treating (and being treated by) others with courtesy, respect, and selflessness? It’s a high stakes gamble anymore just locating individuals willing to live sacrificially in theory let alone having to actually make good on any spoken ideals.

Right And Wrong Still Exist

After all, since when did we ever believe that when a person makes a promise they intend to keep it? We used to consider someone’s word their bond. That and a handshake could seal a deal with nary a second thought. Which makes me afraid of how very far we’ve wandered from moral absolutes of any kind. Even saying there is a definitive right and wrong is considered outdated, out of touch, passé’ and better left unsaid.

God Wants Us To Do Right By Others

But I just cannot agree. Since when does doing the “right” thing ever go out of style? People still need a word of encouragement, surely that’s a “good” thing. People still need a helping hand when they’re down, surely that’s the “right” thing to do. People still get sick, some die, while their families grieve. Surely, offering comfort is the “right” thing. No matter what we say, inside of us is a God-given barometer for gauging what’s right and wrong. And no matter what society tells us, our conscience smarts, we do feel guilty, and our sleep is disrupted when we make choices that go against this internal warning system.

The Holy Spirit Lives Within Us

So why do we fight it? Wouldn’t it be better to do what’s “right” instead of taking the easy “wrong” route? Think about it, if you’re going to experience some type of internal upset in response to your attitudes and actions wouldn’t it be prudent to decide to act “rightly” toward others from the get-go? You can’t lose when you do right. You’re not only benefiting another individual on a person-by-person basis but more largely, and in ripple effect, society in general. Changing the temper and tone of society by single acts of kindness, who knew?

We All Reap What We Sow

Face it, whether we like it or not, we reap what we sow. Even when no one else knows what we’ve done (or left undone), we know. Wonder when we’ll get it right?

Right That Wrong

Yesterday isn’t over – unless you’ve learned some valuable lesson from past mistakes, expect to stay trapped in the same place until you evaluate what didn’t work, make a different plan, and change direction.
Today isn’t the last word – until you lay your head on the pillow for the night, no matter what happened during the past 24 hours, there’s always hope for change and it begins with your attitude and responses to the people and circumstances you are facing.
Tomorrow isn’t written yet – don’t anticipate “more of the same.” Instead, look forward to “better” because in the coming days and weeks, you’ll be wiser, more astute, more “seasoned” to handle life and its complexities with faith-fired finesse and grace.

General Christian

Family, Parenting and Religion

personal devotion

choosing right

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About Michele Howe

Michele Howe is the author of 30 books for women, children, and families. She has published over 3000 articles, reviews, and curriculum. Her book, Finding Freedom and Joy in Self-Forgetfulness guides readers into living a selfless and faith-driven life that puts others' needs above one's own. You can read more about the author here.

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