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.
When I first read this verse, my mind naturally gravitated
to the concept of giving physical items to those in need. Whether it be food,
clothing, shelter, or some spare change, I read the instructions of this verse
guiding us to the physical needs of those less fortunate and those in need. But
the more I let the text above swim around in my mind, I started to see a
different message being formed…a message that dealt more with my immediate
surroundings. We all have relationships with others…we are husbands and wives,
fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, colleagues, friends, and acquaintances.
Whatever the relationship may be, we get to choose how we act and speak in those
relationships. We get to choose whether we love or hate the other person. We get
to choose to either build-up or tear down…encourage or discourage…fortify or
destroy. The text above talks about not withholding good from another person to
whom it is due. While helping with physical needs is certainly necessary and noble,
the text above strikes a different chord for me today. Whether we realize it or
not, we often withhold good from those closest to us. We take for granted the relationships
we have with our families and friends and fail to dish out the good that is
due. That good could come in the form of something so incredibly simple as basic
gratitude…a simple “thank you” or “I appreciate you” when another has blessed
us in some manner. Or that good could come from swallowing our pride and
speaking “I am sorry” or “I was wrong” to another person that we hurt in some
manner. Whether it’s selfish pride, arrogance, or insecurity that clouds our
judgment, our relationships are damaged when we withhold the good that is due
to those in our lives. Sure, it’s not easy to swallow our pride, admit guilt,
or confront a nagging insecurity, but when we do, we sacrifice a piece of
ourselves in favor of glorifying our God. We acknowledge that this life is not
all about us and our selfish wants…we acknowledge that this life is not one
ongoing competition to try and “best” that next person in line. We acknowledge that
there is a Creator that calls to higher things…a God that calls us to live as
disciplined and obedient servants to Him, following his every word and seeking to
implement his every command. So today, may we no longer withhold the good that
is due to others…may we no longer fail to speak words of love, kindness, appreciation,
and forgiveness…and may we give thanks to God for his constant loving
instruction for our often wayward souls. To God alone be the glory!
No comments:
Post a Comment