Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare his praise? 3 Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right. 4 Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, 5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise.

One thing that has remained constant since the beginning of time is that God has blessed and taken care of those who are willing to devote themselves to him in simple but obedient faith. God wants us to do what is right. At times people will do the right thing for the wrong reason. An example of this would be when we help someone or do some good deed so that we will be praised by others or get something in return. We may be silent instead of “running our mouth” but it may be because we don’t have the nerve to stand for what is right. The point is that we should do what is right because it is right. This means we have compassion toward others and their problems because we love them and care about them. We are quick to defend one’s integrity instead of accepting any garbage gossip that comes along about them. We share our convictions about God and his goodness, about his Son who died for us and about what it means to live for him; not because we think we are so righteous or better than others but because we have graciously accepted God’s forgiveness thru his grace.

We just do what is right because it is right. Too many today in our society are more concerned about what is politically correct than what is right. In fact, many have decided that there is no such thing as “right” except as defined by the moment. While situation and circumstance may dictate our response in many ways it does not change what God has declared is absolutely right or wrong. We may be ridiculed or even mistreated for doing what we know is right but God will bless us for it. The Bible is filled with examples of those who did what was right in difficult situations and received God’s blessings. We must do the same.

O God, please give me wisdom to know what is right and strength to do it. Help me know when to keep my mouth shut and when to speak for you. Please use me to encourage others in their attempt to serve you. Keep me from being filled with my own importance and my own goodness but give me a humble heart that empties self and is filled with you. Please give comfort to those who are hurting during this Christmas season. Help them to look to you for strength, joy, peace and happiness. In Jesus name I pray.

May God bless each of us as we strive to do what is right.