Proverbs 3:27-28

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

They say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions…and theologically, that probably isn’t too far from the truth. Most of us mean to do well. We aren’t malicious in our motives (usually). We like to think of ourselves as pretty good people…but in the face of God’s perfect holiness, we all fall short (Rom. 3:23).

Today’s passage doesn’t hold us to an impossible standard. It is not our responsibility to right every wrong, feed every mouth, help every stranded driver with a flat tire, or mentor every kid that doesn’t have a father or mother. However, when there is an opportunity to help someone who needs it…and we are well aware of it…and we have the power to do so…we should…more often than not.

It helps to remember this admonition in terms of stewardship, for what dollar or minute or physical ability do you possess that did not emanate from the providence and goodness of God? Paul reminds us that we have been bought with a price and not even our bodies are not our own (1 Cor. 6:20). He also exhorts us to do good to all men whenever the opportunity presents itself (Gal. 6:10). James offers a New Testament warning that goes along with this proverb when he confronts us with the fact that when we don’t do a good thing we ought to do, it is counted as a sin…each and every time (Jas. 4:17).

So, the next time you are faced with an opportunity to do something good for someone…and you have the time, ability, and/or resources to pull it off…then in the seemingly immortal words of a famous shoe manufacturer…Just Do It! You aren’t giving them anything that is truly yours in the first place.