The words “Well done, good and faithful servant” are found in Matthew 25:21, where Jesus tells the parable of the talents. In this parable, a master entrusts his servants with different amounts of money (talents) before going on a journey. When he returns, the servants who invested and multiplied the money are rewarded by hearing these words of affirmation. So what does it take for believers to hear “Well done” from Jesus when we reach heaven? Based on the parable and other Bible passages, a few key things emerge:
Be faithful with what God has given you
The servants in the parable who heard “Well done” had been faithful with what the master had entrusted them – his money. As believers, God has given each of us talents, time, spiritual gifts, and resources. Are we being faithful stewards of these things? Are we using what God has given us for His purposes and to bless others? The Bible reminds us that it is required of stewards that they be found faithful (1 Cor. 4:2). Walking in faithfulness may look different for each person, but it means being obedient, responsible, and reliable day after day in whatever God has called us to.
Love God and love others
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31). Loving God looks like pursuing a deep intimate relationship with Him through prayer, worship, reading His Word, serving in the church, etc. Loving others encompasses serving our families, reaching out to those in need, showing compassion, forgiving others, and sharing the gospel. Living a life of love is key to hearing “Well done” from Christ.
Use your gifts and talents for God’s glory
We all have unique gifts and talents given by God, and He desires us to use them for His kingdom. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). Your gifts may be teaching, encouragement, generosity, hospitality, administration, music, evangelism, or something else. Look for ways to serve others and bring glory to God through your gifts. Don’t bury your talents but develop and multiply them through faithful service.
Make disciples and spread the gospel
In His Great Commission, Jesus told the disciples: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). As followers of Jesus today, we are called to the same mission – sharing the gospel, making disciples, and teaching others to obey Christ. This could involve anything from personal evangelism to supporting overseas missions. When we invest in the eternal work of the kingdom by spreading the good news of Jesus, we can look forward to hearing “Well done” from our Master.
Endure trials and persecutions faithfully
Jesus said: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:11-12). Following Jesus faithfully often brings trials and persecutions. The Bible reminds believers to rejoice when we face various trials, because this tests and refines our faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). We can remain faithful through the storms of life, knowing our Master sees our steadfastness and will say “Well done” in the end.
Pursue holiness and obedience to God
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). “Well done” will not be said to those who profess Jesus but don’t possess genuine saving faith that results in obedience, seen by the fruit of their lives. We must examine our hearts and actively pursue holiness, putting off sinful habits and putting on Christlike character. Only those made holy by Christ will hear “Well done.”
Finish the race strong and keep the faith
At the end of his life, Paul said: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Finishing the race means persevering to the end, not giving up or turning aside. It means continuing to run with endurance the path marked out for us, holding firmly to our faith even through difficulties. Christ will say “Well done” to those who endure to the end and finish the race He has given them.
Live with eternity and Christ’s return in view
When Jesus returns or we go to be with Him in eternity, He will evaluate how we lived in light of His coming kingdom. Did we live for comfort and worldly gain, or did we live purposefully on mission for the glory of God? “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!…Come and share your master’s happiness!’” (Matthew 25:21). Keeping the eternal perspective changes how we live today. We can joyfully serve God and others as we look forward to hearing “Well done” from Christ.
Humbly rely on Christ’s grace and righteousness
While God expects fruit and faithfulness from us as believers, we must never trust in our own good works to earn salvation or God’s rewards. Our saving righteousness comes from Christ alone, and even our faithfulness as believers is possible by God’s grace working in us. As we strive to live for God’s glory, we rest in this grace, humbly acknowledging that “from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever!” (Romans 11:36). Any “Well done” we hear will be because of Christ in us.
In summary, hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant” when we reach heaven will come through trusting Christ alone for salvation while also pursuing obedience, fruitfulness, enduring faithfulness, and selfless service to God as an expression of our love and gratitude to Him. Our eternal rewards are based not just on our profession of faith but on living out that faith. As we seek to follow Jesus wholeheartedly in how we live each day, we can joyfully look forward to that great affirmation from our Master – “Well done!”
