Alert and ready to administer God’s help

“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.” (Prov. 3:27-28)

Help immediately when you are able

When I was a young man, brand new in ministry, with a wife and small children, and living from hand-to-mouth, we often seemed to have a lot of month at the end of our money. One time, because of some kind of emergency, we had a shortfall of $500, and I didn’t know how we could possibly come up with such a huge amount. I did have some prayer warriors, a small group of older church ladies who were always ready and willing to pray about things, so I decided to call them. The first one I spoke to said she and her husband would immediately pray about our need. About twenty minutes later, there was a knock on our door. It was that lady with a check for $500! I told her that I certainly didn’t call her to give money, only to pray. And she said she and her husband, a retired businessman, did pray. And then it occurred to them that they were asking God to do what they were already able to do, which was to write a check themselves to take care of the need. It was because they knew the Bible verse, “If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, ‘Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you’.” And they were obedient to it.

 God wants to use you to help others

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Tim. 6-17-19 ESV)

Proverb with a warning and a promise

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Prov. 11:24 ESV)

Therefore

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Heb. 13:16 ESV)