Good Timing

Genesis 37-38 Matthew 12:22-45 Psalm 16 Proverbs 3:27-32

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
   when it is in your power to act.
Do not say to your neighbor,
   “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
   when you already have it with you. – Proverbs 3:27-28 TNIV

Very often it seems that goodness is a matter of not doing something bad. Don’t steal, don’t abuse, don’t lie. But how often do we think of not doing what is good? Yesterday, we read about Jesus healing people on Sabbath. He said there was no law against doing good on Sabbath. Here we get a little different angle on what God wants from us.

When it comes to doing good for someone, I can come up with a number of valid reasons why I don’t have time, it’s not my responsibility, or I can’t afford to help. Still, I wonder how many times I might have been able to help someone quickly and easily with what I had with me, but didn’t notice because I wasn’t even thinking of helping. Fortunately, God is much more observant. He looks to help His people in need. With His love growing in our hearts, we will find that we start looking to help others, too. After all, we copy the one we are watching.

Father God, show us how we can do something good for someone today. Whether we know them or not, whether they deserve it or not. Help us to see that You’ve provided everything we need, so we can afford to share what we have with us. Let somebody see Your love in us this way today. Amen.