Reading: Proverbs 3:27-28, 27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"— when you now have it with you.
I almost chuckle at these verses because, if we actually have what someone needs in our possession and we say, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”, what are we typically doing? We usually are hoping that they don’t come back tomorrow. We hope that we just won’t have to deal with it.
I am constantly intrigued by celebrities and politicians who have fundraisers, taxes or commercials about giving to the needy or less fortunate, but, then, they turn around, hop in their limousine, and drive home to one of their several mansions. It can build resentment toward those who have more than we do and live more “comfortably” than we do, yet try to squeeze more out of us. But, although they would tell you differently, celebrities and politicians are not the bar setters. It is not for them that we exist. It is not because of them that we give.
God, who is the owner of everything that exists, gave His all, even when we didn’t know our need for Him, He gave of Himself. He is our bar setter.
If you notice, verse 27 states, “do not withhold good”, it does not necessarily say “do not withhold money or possessions”. Those things may be the need but we shouldn’t limit ourselves in seeing other needs that someone may have; love, compassion, forgiveness, an ear to listen, etc.
What are some needs of others that you are already aware of?
If you have something in your possession to help, what will you do today to meet those needs today?
REVIEW
What did you do today to help those who are in need?
How did this impact them and how did it impact you?
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