A Good Deed And Righteousness: Is There A Difference?

People usually accept a good deed with open arms. It often draws smiles and high compliments. Righteous deeds, however, don’t always receive praise and gratitude like a good deed does.

What makes the difference between the two? The apostle Peter made a distinction between a righteous act and a good deed in his epistle. First of all, righteous acts may not win applause.

In fact, they might even invite hostility. Why? Because righteousness aligns with God’s will, not human approval. In his first epistle, the Apostle Peter pointed out two of them.

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 1 Peter 3:13-14

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This passage challenges us to examine our motives and measure our actions by God’s standard, not the world’s. The world loves it when people go out of their way to do a good deed.

Philanthropy fills headlines. Social media celebrates charity drives. Corporations advertise in the name of charity. People cheer for good acts because they bring comfort, beauty, and relief.

All righteousness qualifies as good, but not all good qualifies as righteous. Why? Because righteousness connects people directly to God’s will and purpose.

Goodness without God lacks eternal weight. Take, for example, donating money to an animal rescue fund. That act reflects kindness and compassion. Many would call it good—and rightly so.

But does it advance God’s kingdom? Does it proclaim Christ? Probably not. That doesn’t mean that Christians should shy away from doing a good deed. Peter never dismissed goodness.

Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 1 Peter 3:11

Righteousness Costs More Than Doing A Good Deed

What did Peter mean when he spoke of suffering for doing right? He pointed to righteousness as goodness shaped by God’s Word, anchored in Christ, and directed toward His glory.

When he wrote verses thirteen and fourteen, he listed four emotional realities a Christian could experience for their righteousness. These emotions involve two positive ones and two negative.

The positive ones deal with our eagerness to do good and receiving a reward from God for doing right. The negative ones included suffering for doing right and a fear of threats.

Doing a good deed often feels safe and celebrated. Doing right, according to God’s definition, can provoke anger, ridicule, or rejection. Jesus considered them blessings, though, not warnings.

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:10

When we stand for biblical truth, some people will resent it. In sharing the gospel, others might mock us. By refusing to compromise, we may lose the opportunity to do a good deed.

When we let righteousness guide our lives, it can often cost us comfort. God, though, promises compensation by rewarding us. Peter again affirmed the possibility of suffering for doing good.

Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:17

Suffering for righteousness means taking a stand for Jesus, not for popularity nor personal gain. Peter underwent beatings and prison time, so these instructions came from his own experiences.

The Example of Jesus

Peter also witnessed the suffering of Jesus when His accusers considered His deed as being anything but good. In this writing, he reminded us of the Lord’s accomplishment on the cross.

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18

Jesus endured agony for our salvation. He suffered the cross so we wouldn’t need to suffer for all eternity. He didn’t have to suffer for us, but since He found purpose in pain, we can, too.

Examples of a Righteous Deed Compared to a Good One

Feeding the hungry qualifies as a good deed. Giving food or even water to the hungry in Jesus’ name makes it a righteous deed.

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me! Matthew 25:35,40

When someone hurts you, you consider it a good deed if you don’t retaliate. Forgiving the person who hurt you, because God calls you to do so, becomes a righteous deed.

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13

When we share the gospel with a friend, we consider it a good deed. Even if they reject your message, you can count it as righteousness for sharing it with them.

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes. Romans 1:16

Some think a good deed is when you tell someone what they want to hear. Righteousness occurs when we speak the truth with grace in a culture that would rather compromise.

You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. 1 Peter 3:15-16

Honor God with Each Good Deed You Do

Each righteous deed honors God, whether people think it’s good or not. Each one advances His kingdom. And yes, they might draw criticism. But God rewards each step of obedience.

Lord, help me love righteousness more than comfort. May each good deed I do bring honor to your name. When I suffer for doing right, remind me again of Christ’s example.

Check out these posts related on how God wants you to Live The Good Life and do righteous deeds.