Concentrate for a moment on the word “work” in these verses. “Jesus answered them, ‘My Father has been working until now, and I have been working” (John 5:17). “I must work the works of Him who sent Me” (John 9:4). A man said to his son, “Son, go, work today in my vineyard” (Matt. 21:28). The meaning of this word is quite obvious to us. The Greek word in these verses (ergazomai) means “to engage in activity that involves effort, work, activity.”
This same Greek word that involves effort, work and activity is found in Galatians 6:10. See if you can find the word in the NKJV: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Most translations have the word “do,” which may appear to soften the command. The ASV has, “Let us work that which is good toward all men.” Doing good unto others requires work! One more thing to notice: Paul did not say, “As you have opportunity, you go work…” Paul included himself in “we” – there is work for all of us, and all of us need to work that which is good for others!