The issue of doing good on the Sabbath, particularly regarding eating out, is a significant point of contention within the church of God, contributing to disunity. Herbert Armstrong, recognized as an apostle, set a precedent by occasionally eating out on the Sabbath and established a policy permitting it within the Worldwide Church of God. This stance contrasts with recent arguments urging against eating out on the Sabbath, claiming it to be a sin. However, such claims lack the authority and balance demonstrated by those appointed by God for leadership. Jesus Himself provided guidance on Sabbath observance, emphasizing that the day is made for man as a help, not a burden. He demonstrated that meeting human needs, such as feeding the hungry or rescuing an animal, takes precedence over strict adherence to ceremonial law. His actions and teachings show that the nature and purpose of the work done on the Sabbath are what matter most to God, not merely the act of working or the energy expended. For instance, Jesus approved of His disciples picking grain to eat on the Sabbath and endorsed acts of mercy over rigid rules. Furthermore, the notion that eating out on the Sabbath equates to making others work as servants is not supported by a balanced understanding of responsibility. Those who are uncalled are not held to the same standards as Sabbath-keepers, and their choice to work on the Sabbath is their own. Sabbath-keepers are not forcing others to labor by utilizing services like restaurants, just as they are not responsible for the work of utility companies providing water or electricity on the Sabbath. Modern circumstances, unlike the closed society of ancient Israel, require a discerning application of God's law, recognizing that situations change and flexibility is sometimes necessary, as seen during festivals when food preparation rules were relaxed. The Sabbath presents opportunities to do good, such as fellowshipping with others by occasionally eating out, especially with those who may not often have such chances. While selectivity in choosing appropriate venues is advised, the focus should remain on the intent to foster connection and kindness. God has appointed the Sabbath as a day to do good, and following the balanced examples set by His chosen leaders ensures that the day serves its purpose of healing and unifying rather than dividing over unbalanced, critical judgments.

The Sabbath was made for mankind, to serve God's purpose and to benefit humanity as a whole, not just a specific group. God designated the Sabbath as the sign between Him and His people, showing that He is the Creator and they are His children. It is not merely the observance of the day that matters, but the manner in which it is kept that makes it significant. God requires that each person set aside this day for worship and service to Him, as it is holy and belongs to Him. The commandment emphasizes spiritual relationships over worldly ones, looking back on creation and redemption, signifying God as both Creator and Savior. God expects a great deal of respect for the Sabbath, describing it as a day of joy and delight, to be held honorable and right in contrast to other days. It is a day to honor Him by doing His pleasure, will, and preferences rather than our own. The emphasis is not on the amount of energy expended on the Sabbath, but on the purpose and intent behind what is done. God is concerned with what we do and why we do it on His holy time. Jesus corrected misunderstandings about the Sabbath, instructing against superficial judgment and emphasizing the need to judge righteously using the principles and examples provided. He highlighted that the intent of God's law, including Sabbath observance, is to produce justice, compassion, and faithfulness, fostering right relationships with God and fellowman. Examples from history, such as the Israelites marching out of Egypt and through the Red Sea on the Sabbath, show that expending energy for God's purpose is acceptable when it aligns with His desire. Similarly, priests performed required offerings on the Sabbath as part of God's pleasure. God established preparation for the Sabbath, instructing that ordinary weekday work, such as gathering food, should not be done on the Sabbath day. This principle remains, encouraging preparation on the day before to avoid such tasks. While the weekly Sabbath is more restrictive than other Holy Days, God allows flexibility in His law for unusual circumstances, as seen in historical events and the work of priests, demonstrating that the law can bend when necessary to align with His purpose.

Jesus Christ consistently upheld the Sabbath, not to annul it, but to magnify its purpose. He emphasized that the Sabbath was made for man, to equip us for spiritual freedom and to sustain our well-being (Mark 2:27-28). His actions on the Sabbath, such as healing the man with the withered hand (Mark 3:1-6), demonstrate that doing good and saving life are lawful and essential on this day. He rebuked the Pharisees' rigid regulations, showing that failing to do good when the opportunity arises implies evil and destruction. In various encounters, such as healing a chronically ill person (Luke 13:10-17), He revealed the Sabbath as a day of redemption and liberation, intended for acts of mercy and compassion. He reasoned that if circumcision, a redemptive act, was lawful on the Sabbath, then restoring a person to wholeness was equally justified. Additionally, when His disciples plucked grain to eat on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-8), He defended their actions by highlighting that mercy overrides strict adherence to ritual, drawing from examples like David eating the showbread in dire need. Jesus taught that the Sabbath is a day for active, loving service rather than passive idleness. His ministry on the Sabbath included teaching, fellowshipping, and performing acts of kindness that brought liberty and joy to others. He portrayed it as a time to lighten burdens and save lives, aligning with its original divine intent to ensure life and reflect God's creative and redemptive work. As Lord of the Sabbath, He set a pattern for us to follow, prioritizing loving service over mere ritual fulfillment.