Is it a “must” or a choice? It would not decide the fate of a person. Many believe in following the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Completing “good deeds” has become a socially acceptable task over the years. Society promotes good deeds, daily, through ASPCA commercials all the way to child hunger programs. Giving, caring, and including commonly benefit the one showing the actions.

Whether it is giving money, time, or both, it can be considered as a good deed. Tithes are the most common and perfect example of giving. Malachi 3:10 states, “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates and pour out so much blessing that there will not be enough room to store it.” This plainly states that a small portion of what is made and given back is promised to be multiplied into great worth. If members of the church give back graciously, the church may continue to grow, the children will receive the word, or people will become closer to God. I clearly recall the first time I gave an offering. It was twenty dollars out of my first paycheck and I was ecstatic, yet nervous. I knew I had given to a good cause but was curious as to if all my money would go there; I spent many nights praying over my money. Weeks later, I was desperate for the twenty dollars to pay for gas. At the gas pump, my card was not declined and I filled up half of my tank. As I pulled up my banking account, I looked and seen that one-hundred dollars had somehow appeared in my checking account. I knew that money was definitely a blessing and a “thank you” for my actions.

Caring is often natural to some. Caring can lead to a warm heart or a heart ache. Some do not care for a reward, some care just to give. I have spent many years of my life caring for all types of people- young to old, needy to selfish.. After changing countless diapers, to measuring out numerous amounts of food, and giving unconditional love, I never once felt like I had not accomplished a new level in my life. At the age of thirteen, it was never my responsibility to care for my bed-ridden, eighty eight year old grandfather; yet, I proceeded to do so, anyways. Seeing the smile on his face and his precious kisses were just enough to let me know I was doing something right. Those were the only forms of payment I ever needed. Since his passing, I have carried those loving traits with me. The care giving actions I showed have made me feel like a better person along the way.

Those who are underprivileged are often shunned. It is only because he or she does not wear the “accepted” brand of clothing, or because his pants are too tight and hers are too high. What if one person took the time to sit at the isolated table with the one who was “different” or “weird”? Imagine if someone took the time to become friends with “one of them.” Chances are, the one who has always been shunned, will back off because that is all they have ever known to do is run away. They think that one person is going to betray them just because everyone else has. One kind gesture could possibly change their point of view on certain areas of society. A possible hug or smile could bring them out of their dark tunnel. Being an actual friend to him or her could save them from self harm. Losing a reputation, or having a bashed one, is better than losing an innocent soul because they could not meet the standards of society. I am not considered one of the “popular girls” in my school because I do not feel the need to fit in with what all the others are doing. I take the time to associate myself with all different types of people at school and I tend to lean towards those who are disabled or who are poor and need a friend. Just one kind action from a stranger can change a negative attitude. I am honored to have gained friends along the way.

An ongoing favor can continually come back and bless each and every person who chooses to do so. There are plenty of times in which people do because the Bible says to do it or because they feel as if they must. Many do it out of the kindness of their heart and feel like they never receive anything. Many feel as if they do not need to receive a gift back. If one will just pause and step back, he or she will realize that they have already been blessed and are just truly passing down the blessing.