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In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden. 1 Timothy 5:25 (NIV)

Some good works are immediately recognized and praised. Others are hidden and known only to God. But just as God sees and will judge secret evil, he also sees and will reward the hidden good.

William Barclay says, “There are some whose good deeds are plain for all to see, and who have already won the praise and thanks and honor and congratulations of men. There are others whose good deeds have never been noticed. They have never been appreciated, never thanked, never praised, never valued as they ought to have been. They have always been taken for granted.”

If that’s you, remember, God sees what others have missed. Jesus said even a cup of cold water given in his name will receive its reward. The judgment of God that should bring fear to those whose sin is secret, should also bring comfort to those whose good deeds are hidden from view.

Jesus went about doing good and yet he was constantly slandered: “He is a drunkard and a glutton.” He received no protection, but was condemned without the testimony of witnesses. That’s the world for you, but the world never has the last word, God does. God vindicated Jesus and exalted him to the highest place, that at his name every knee shall bow!

So now, through his death there is forgiveness of sins—open sins and secret sins. Through his resurrection, there is the power to live a new life of good deeds that over time will give evidence that you are a changed person. Christ holds these gifts in his hands as he offers himself to you.

How do you respond knowing that God sees and will judge all secrets? Why?