Proverbs 3:27-28 says, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’ when you now have it with you.”
“Exercise speed when meeting human need.” That’s the gist of this proverb. “Be fast to be kind.” “Be eager to be generous.” “Be in a hurry to help the hurting.” Generosity is at the heart of God. We are no more like the Lord than when we give. For God so loved that He gave His only Son. And Jesus so loved that He gave His life on the cross. Giving and generosity are central to “living the Jesus life” and encapsulate the life we are called to live out as His disciples. Jesus’ mission statement could be summed up in three words: LIVE TO GIVE. As Christ-followers we are called to be like Him.
So as we move through life and fulfill our daily responsibilities, may we all aim to be more like Jesus and become more “others” centric. May we find a need a fill it; see a hurt and heal it; encounter human pain and provide for it. May we be quick to do good. The Bible is full of admonition to not live for ourselves but rather, care for others. Consider the following small sample:
- Acts 9:36: In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.
- Galatians 6:10: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
- I John 3:17-18: “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Who can you help today? How can you be more kind? In what way can you become more generous? These are all great and challenging questions we should ask ourselves regularly. Looking for ways to bless others instead of being engrossed in “self” is a wise and godly way to live.