Living a life of faith goes hand in hand with living a life of action. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that true faith produces good works. While salvation is by grace through faith, believers are called to show their faith through love, service, and righteous actions. This post explores 40 powerful Bible verses about good works that encourage, inspire, and challenge us to live in ways that glorify God.
What Does the Bible Say About Good Works?
The Bible is clear that good works are not a means of earning salvation but rather evidence of a transformed life. In Ephesians 2:8–10, Paul explains that while we are saved by grace through faith, we are also created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared in advance for us to do.
Good works in Scripture are not limited to big acts of charity or miracles. They include everyday acts of kindness, hospitality, generosity, and faithfulness. Jesus taught that even giving a cup of water in His name is a good work that will not go unnoticed (Mark 9:41).
In essence, the Bible teaches that good works are the natural fruit of a heart aligned with God’s will. They flow from love, obedience, and compassion.
Benefits of Good Works in the Bible
The Bible highlights many benefits of living a life filled with good works:
- Glorifies God – When people see our good deeds, they are drawn closer to God.
- Strengthens Faith – Doing good deepens our trust in God’s promises.
- Brings Rewards – God rewards those who serve Him faithfully (Galatians 6:9).
- Impacts Others Positively – Good works can inspire, encourage, and even bring people to Christ.
- Reflects Christ’s Love – They demonstrate the compassion and humility of Jesus in practical ways.
Examples of Good Works in the Bible
The Scriptures give us countless examples of men and women who practiced good works:
- Dorcas (Tabitha) – In Acts 9:36, she was described as full of good works and acts of charity.
- The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:33–35 tells of a man who helped a stranger in need, showing mercy beyond cultural boundaries.
- The Early Church – Acts 2:44–45 describes believers sharing possessions and meeting each other’s needs.
- Jesus Himself – The Gospels reveal Jesus going about doing good (Acts 10:38), healing, feeding, and comforting people.
These examples inspire us to live a life that reflects God’s goodness through action.
40 Powerful Bible Verses About Good Works
Here are 40 powerful scriptures that highlight the importance of doing good works as part of the Christian walk:
- Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
- Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
- James 2:17 – “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
- Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
- Titus 2:7 – “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.”
- 1 Peter 2:12 – “Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
- Colossians 1:10 – “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
- Titus 3:8 – “Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”
- 1 Timothy 6:18 – “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.”
- Hebrews 10:24 – “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.”
- James 3:13 – “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.”
- Titus 2:14 – “Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”
- 1 Timothy 5:25 – “Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.”
- Hebrews 13:16 – “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
- Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
- Romans 12:21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
- Proverbs 19:17 – “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.”
- Acts 9:36 – “At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.”
- 2 Timothy 3:17 – “That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
- Matthew 25:35–36 – “For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.”
- Psalm 37:3 – “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
- Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.”
- Proverbs 11:25 – “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”
- Matthew 10:42 – “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:13 – “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”
- Titus 3:14 – “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.”
- Psalm 112:5 – “A good man deals graciously and lends; he will guide his affairs with discretion.”
- Luke 6:35 – “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great.”
- Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
- Romans 2:6–7 – “Who ‘will render to each one according to his deeds’: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality.”
- Psalm 34:14 – “Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
- Matthew 6:1 – “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them.”
- John 13:35 – “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
- Romans 12:13 – “Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”
- 1 John 3:18 – “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”
- Luke 3:10–11 – “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”
- Hebrews 6:10 – “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name.”
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.”
Conclusion
These 40 Bible verses about good works remind us that our actions matter. Though salvation is not earned by works, the fruits of faith are shown in how we love and serve others. Every act of kindness, generosity, and service reflects God’s love and brings glory to His name.
As believers, we are called to live out our faith daily through good works. Whether it’s helping the poor, encouraging someone in need, or serving quietly behind the scenes, your good works are seen by God and bring eternal rewards.
