"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." Proverbs 3:27
Nearing mile 50 of a 100 kilometer race, I waved at a runner approaching from the opposite direction. As he summoned the strength to wave back, it happened. His hydration bottle fell to the ground. As our eyes locked, we shared the same sense of dread. "I'm so sorry," I said, "I would really love to pick that up for you but I just can't." You see, at this point in the race, I just wasn't physically able to do it. As he painstakingly and carefully bent down to try and recover the bottle himself, he laughed and responded, "It's okay. Believe me I understand."
You know, barring those few times when we are truly unable to help someone, the Bible tells us that we are not to "withhold good from those to whom it is due" when it is in our power to act. Whether that be repaying a debt, fulfilling a promise or returning an item we have borrowed, we should be eager to fulfill our obligation-as delaying to do so is not only unfair but might even destroy trust.
And this Christmas season, let us go a step further and do good to those to whom we owe no debt for the simple sake of showing the love of Christ. Have a few extra dollars? Buy a toy for a child in need. Have some extra time? Volunteer to help at a nursing home. Whatever it is you have that gives you the "power to act" then do so, because in the words of John Bunyan, "You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given each of us. Help us to give to others out of those blessings whether it be the gift of our time or money. May we do these things out of love that others might be led to You because of it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Christmas is all in the heart - Steven Curtis Chapman
No comments:
Post a Comment