Galatians 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

(v10, NIV)

Doing good is a result or the result of living by the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit produces in us an ability and willingness to do good to others. One of the words in the list of the fruit of the Spirit is "goodness". As we live by the Spirit, we will eventually reap eternal life. However, one of the results we can see now is us doing good to others. This doing good is part of our sowing or planting. We must persevere and continue to work hard.

What's odd about this is that there is a distinction here between those who are in the household of faith and those who are not in the household of faith. Why should we do good especially to those who are in the household of faith? Well, first of all, we are all a family. Normally, we have a distinct connection with our family. Those who are your parents, your siblings, your children, or even relatives normally have a special place in your heart above the rest. Earlier in Galatians Paul talks about the Gentiles being brought into the family and under the saving grace of God. As adopted children we are part of the family. 1 Corinthians 12 describes us as parts of a body. It's not just this connection of family, but physically connected as the parts of a body are connected to the body. Of course we are to do good to everyone, but there is a different level of a connection between those who are in the household of faith.

It's not just this connection, but an instruction to unity that we are called to do good especially to those in the household of faith. Ephesians 4 talks about unity in the body of Christ. Again there is this idea of a body and how we are all members of this body. We are to build each other up since we are all part of the same body. Do good to everyone.