In a world that often feels fast-paced, disconnected, and self-centered, the simple yet powerful command from the Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:10 speaks louder than ever: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” This verse, while brief, carries an enduring message that calls us to live intentionally, always ready to do good when the moment presents itself.
The first part of this verse, “as we have opportunity,” acknowledges a crucial truth about life—it is full of chances to make a difference. Every day, we are presented with moments that offer the potential to extend kindness, compassion, and help. These opportunities come in both large and small forms, from lending a hand to a stranger in need to offering emotional support to a friend. The problem is, we often overlook them, distracted by our own concerns, or worse, we think we’ll have another chance tomorrow.
But Paul’s words serve as a reminder that opportunities are fleeting, and to miss them is to miss the essence of what it means to live a good and meaningful life. Each day is not guaranteed, and every moment we are given is a chance to act in alignment with our faith and our values. This call to action requires not just a passing kindness, but a conscious choice to look beyond ourselves, to be alert to the needs of others.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’ll get around to doing good when our lives are more stable, or when we feel more secure or accomplished. We tell ourselves that when our schedules clear, when we’ve “made it,” or when we’re in a better place, we’ll find time to help others. But Paul’s words challenge that thinking. Doing good is not something we should postpone until life feels perfect; it’s something we must pursue in the everyday messiness of our lives, with all its imperfections.
Paul also emphasizes that this goodness is not just for those we know and love but for “all people.” This is a radical call for empathy in an age where division seems to be the default. It’s easy to help those within our own circles—our friends, families, and communities of faith—but Paul broadens the scope to include everyone. It’s a call to break down barriers, to recognize the shared humanity in people we might not agree with or understand, and to extend kindness beyond our immediate comfort zones.
In a world where division, tribalism, and “us versus them” mentalities are pervasive, Galatians 6:10 is a radical invitation to unity. It’s a command to see every individual as deserving of our goodness, whether they share our beliefs, political leanings, or backgrounds. When we act with this kind of love, we participate in a healing force that can mend some of the fractures that divide us as a society.
Of course, Paul adds a special instruction “especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” This doesn’t mean we exclude others from our acts of kindness, but rather it reminds us that within the body of faith, there should be an even stronger bond of care and mutual support. In Christian communities, there is a profound responsibility to uplift one another—to bear each other’s burdens, celebrate each other’s joys, and meet each other’s needs when they arise. When the church functions this way, it becomes a beacon of what a loving, compassionate community can look like, shining as an example to the rest of the world.
We often look for grand gestures, heroic efforts to change the world. But the kind of goodness Paul is urging in Galatians 6:10 starts with small, daily acts. It starts with noticing the person who needs encouragement, sharing a meal with someone in need, or offering time and resources without expecting anything in return. It’s about living with our eyes and hearts open, recognizing that every interaction is a chance to make the world a little brighter.
As we reflect on Galatians 6:10, let us remember that the opportunity to do good is ever-present. Whether it’s an act of kindness to a neighbor, compassion for a stranger, or support for someone in our faith community, we are all called to act. In doing so, we reflect the love of Christ and contribute to the kind of world we all hope to live in—one where goodness and compassion are abundant, and where no opportunity to help another is left unfulfilled.
Brittany Mays