People who say they are Christians but walk in narcissism can appear wonderful but their good deeds are done to impress others, they must talk about what they have done or it has no value for them.
Matthew 23:4-6 "…4 They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5 All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6 They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues,…"
Our culture is full of those who do good deeds as transactions for elevating themselves. No good deed is wasted without notice.
I am not a fan of praising people who do good deeds, because we never know their motives, God must judge that. People say; "don't judge' but they are ready and willing to judge someone as good but do not like to judge the actions they can see that dishonor God.
If we are not to judge then that applies to both good and bad. Encouragement is good but praise is not good. I reserve my praise for God alone, He knows everyone's heart. We can discern a heart that does good deeds but never talks about them. It is a clue that they good deed was authentic.
Matthew 7:15-20
You Will Know Them by Their Fruit
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them."
What is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in every believer?
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
The fruit of the Spirit is the character qualities of Christ that produce good works for the right reasons, that is to glorify God and not self.
As believers, we are much more satisfied with our works when it is God we are pleasing. Those who do good deeds to be able to boast must keep doing it over and over again to feel fulfilled. When we please Christ we are completely at peace without ever boasting to others for their praise.
Isaiah 32:17
17 And the work of righteousness will be peace,
And the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever."
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