Summary: When the church engages the community with Good Works, society begins to warm up to us. Inevitably, someone will ask us about our hope, our motivation and what makes us do the things we do. Our Good Works have earned Good Will, which now can provide us with a sacred space to share the Good News in a way that honors this new, hard-won relationship.
When the church engages the community with Good Works, society begins to warm up to us. Their guards come down. Maybe we are not so different from them. We are no longer perceived as a stereotypical hate-mongering religious fanatic. Good Works act like deposits in a bank account. Over time, we begin to override the bad data and the sour taste that many hold of Biblical Christianity. The Good Works have now led to a feeling of Good Will.
At some point, society will be dumbfounded at the contrast between what they thought ABOUT Christians and what they are experiencing FROM Christians. Their preconceptions will be challenged and even dismantled through Good Works. To their surprise, they actually begin to like us; quite a novel thought. Our Good Works have earned Good Will, which now can provide us with a sacred space to share the Good News in a way that honors this new, hard-won relationship.
I Peter 3:13-15 shares, “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
As our Good Works are on display, this will lead to Good Will. Inevitably, someone will ask us about our hope, our motivation and what makes us do the things we do. We have now earned the right to warmly share about the Good News.