Proverbs 3:27–28: Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you.
Insight
Christian kindness will also be carried out in the most loving way. Delay is an offense against the law of love. Too often the cold rebuttal, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow” is just a cover for selfishness. There is a hidden hope that the matter will be forgotten or dropped or taken up by somebody else. We should cultivate the habit of being sensitive to the needs of others, putting ourselves in their place. We should not only do good but be prepared to do good. The Gospel presents every neighbor to us as a brother or sister who needs our help, who is to be loved and cared for in the same way that we look after ourselves. Why are we so slow to acknowledge this? May the Lord deliver us from our selfishness and mold us to his own image of love and mercy. 1
Application
There is a blessing from heaven to all those who bless others on earth from a heart of selfless love. There are many practical ways to respond to a person in need as the Holy Spirit leads. But there are also other ways to give. Consider the giving of kind words, encouraging words, comforting words, hopeful words, and words of appreciation. Do not withhold your words or your deeds, when it is in your power to bless others.
Motivation
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
They will always remember the life of Jesus that was seen in you. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, help me to become more aware of the different ways to minister to others.
1. Bridges, C. (2001). Proverbs. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
