"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Heb. 10:24–25, NKJV)

More often than not, when Hebrews 10:24–25 is examined, we are reminded of the necessity of attending the assembly of the church and being faithful in worship. In a world that disdains “going to church,” the command is so much more important that we encourage one another in our attendance.

But there is another reason why we should be faithful—we encourage others in love and good works. These two items are vital in the church. It is by love that the world knows we are the disciples of Christ (John 13:34–35), and that love is manifested by the works we do for our Lord. Indeed, a person would never question whether or not we were Christians if they saw the good works that we do (or should be doing).

It is interesting to look at what the Bible says about good works.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:16, NKJV)

"At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did." (Acts 9:36, NKJV)

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Eph. 2:10, NKJV)

"Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden." (1 Tim. 5:24–25, NKJV)

"Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1 Tim. 6:18–19, NKJV)

Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:12, NKJV)

When we see the above, we see that God is glorified by the good works that we do, and that, as in the case of Dorcas, many people’s works are so clearly evident that all can tell they are Christians.

What can people tell about us?