Much has been said and written about evildoing. Not as much, perhaps, has been said about the problems that can arise from a mistaken approach to doing good—that is, from what one might call "overdoing good." This mistaken concept has many facets—all disguised as beneficial.
No matter how right the motivation seems, "overdoing good" needs to be corrected. It often arises from a misplaced sense of love or responsibility, or from just being unwise. The symptoms are often recognizable. The individual who is expending all the personal effort may feel unappreciated; and the recipient of the unwarranted favors perhaps feels somewhat stifled. Each may feel that the other does not understand. Such a situation can create havoc in relationships, families, business, church—anywhere.
Mrs. Eddy makes this statement, referring to the Manual of The Mother Church, which she wrote: "Good deeds overdone numerically, or bad deeds, are remedied by reading the Manual."Christian Science Sentinel, November 12, 1904, p. 168 In Ecclesiastes we read: "Be not righteous over much ; neither make thyself over wise : why shouldest thou destroy thyself?" Eccl. 7:16 Moffatt translates this: "Be not over-good, be not over-wise; why expose yourself to trouble?" Turning daily to the provisions of the Manual (Article VIII under the heading "Discipline," for example) provides protection and guidance.
