Have I Done Any Good in the World Today? The Quiet Power.

Each morning brings a new opportunity—a chance to lift, love, and serve. And yet, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life. The to-do lists grow longer, the responsibilities weigh heavier, and before we know it, the day slips away. In moments of quiet reflection, we might pause and ask ourselves: “Have I done any good in the world today?”

This simple question, inspired by the old hymn, carries eternal significance.

The Quiet Power of Goodness

Doing good doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s a kind word to someone who feels invisible. Other times, it’s holding your tongue when you’re tempted to lash out, or offering a silent prayer for a stranger you pass on the street. Goodness is often quiet, but never unnoticed by God.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
—Matthew 5:16

Jesus Christ, our perfect example, went about doing good. He wasn’t always in the spotlight—many of His miracles were done for individuals in private moments of deep need. He took time for the one. He saw the hurting and offered healing. He saw the forgotten and offered hope.

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
—Acts 10:38

Why It Matters

We live in a world that’s groaning under the weight of sin, division, and sorrow. People are desperate for kindness, truth, and light. And we, as followers of Christ, are called to be bearers of that light.

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
—Romans 12:21

When we do good—when we choose compassion over criticism, love over judgment, truth over silence—we push back the darkness a little more. The good you do today might not make headlines, but it could make all the difference to someone who’s barely holding on.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
—Galatians 6:9

But What If I’m Struggling?

Sometimes we ask, “How can I do good for others when I feel so broken myself?” The beautiful truth is that even in our weakness, God can work through us. In fact, it’s often in our brokenness that our service becomes most powerful.

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
—2 Corinthians 12:9

Even if all you can do today is pray for someone or send a message of love, that is doing good.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
—Galatians 6:2

The Invitation

So, have you done any good in the world today? If not, the day isn’t over yet. Maybe you can call someone who’s lonely. Maybe you can forgive someone who wronged you. Maybe you can simply smile at the next person you see and mean it.

Don’t underestimate the ripple effect of one small act of goodness done in the name of Jesus. You may never know the full impact this side of heaven—but He knows, and He remembers.

“Then shall the King say unto them… Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
—Matthew 25:40

Let’s go out and do some good. For His glory. For their sake. And for the joy that it brings to us.