Listen:
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbour, “Go and come again; tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you. (Proverbs 3:27-28)
Reflect:
To withhold good is to refuse to give what is needed when we have the ability to help. When we unnecessarily delay the good we can do, we miss an opportunity to bless others and may prolong their pain and distress. It is an injustice. What if this person cries out to God against us?
Scripture urges us to do good to all people whenever we have the opportunity, especially those in the family of faith (Galatians 6:10). Wisdom helps us recognise and act on those opportunities.
We must give what is due when we have the means to do so (Romans 13:7), including debts, honour, respect, and practical help. Faith that does not produce good works of helping others when it is needed is empty. Worthless!
Wisdom is knowing the right thing to do and doing it. And in our relationships with others, wisdom dictates that we do not withhold what is due to the people God has brought into our lives. Delayed obedience can become disobedience when we postpone the good already within our power.
Withholding good contradicts our calling as faithful stewards of God’s gifts. Since God withholds no good thing from those who do what is right, we should reflect His generosity with discernment, giving in ways that truly serve the long-term good of others. It is unwise to hoard what He generously gave us.
Prayer of Response:
Lord, I want to be a faithful steward of all the rich goodness You have poured into my life by being a willing and obedient conduit of Your blessings to others, whether material, emotional, spiritual or relational. Grant me the wisdom to recognise every opportunity You bring my way each day. Give me the ability to discern genuine needs and choose the best way to help.
Questions to Ponder:
- In which areas am I withholding what I know the Spirit of God is nudging me to give?
- Am I withholding forgiveness, kindness, accountability, loving correction or practical advice from those it is due?
- How can I actively seek opportunities to be a blessing rather than wait to be asked?
Breath Prayers:
Join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale (Breathe in): Oh Lord, You do not withhold good from me.
Exhale (Breathe out): I will not hold back good.
Inhale (Breathe in): I receive good from You.
Exhale (Breathe out): I release good to others.
—Submitted by Irene Olumese
Irene is a lung transplant survivor and bilateral amputee who speaks and writes to inspire hope. As a certified Faith-Informed Transformational and Trauma Coach, Irene helps those wounded by life’s adversities heal the pain of their traumatic experiences and transform it into power, purpose and profit that will serve eternal value. Irene is the Founder of the Feet of Grace Foundation, a charity organisation that provides prosthetic rehabilitation services and opportunities for a better life for indigent female amputees. She lives in Geneva with her husband, Peter, and their two adult sons and is adjusting to her new role as mother-in-law to two amazing daughters.