In what ways can withholding good harm our Christian witness and testimony? Anchoring Truth: Proverbs 3:27 “Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.” What “Withholding Good” Looks Like • Seeing a need and turning away. • Delaying help out of convenience or fear. • Offering only words when tangible relief is within reach (cf. James 2:16). How Withholding Good Damages Our Witness • Undermines the character of the God we claim to follow – “The LORD is gracious and compassionate” (Psalm 145:8). Cold indifference paints a false portrait of Him. • Contradicts the gospel we preach – Faith without works is “dead” (James 2:17). People judge the message by the messenger’s deeds. • Silences the light we are called to shine – “Let your light shine…so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father” (Matthew 5:16). No deeds, no light. • Hardens our own hearts – Refusing mercy dulls sensitivity to the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), making future obedience harder. • Gives ammunition to critics – Hypocrisy fuels skepticism (Romans 2:24: “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you”). Scriptural Echoes Reinforcing the Principle • 1 John 3:17-18—love must be “in deed and in truth.” • Galatians 6:9-10—“as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.” • Hebrews 13:16—“Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Christ’s Model of Overflowing Good • Acts 10:38—Jesus “went around doing good.” • Mark 10:45—He gave His life as the ultimate act of service. Following Him means tangible, sacrificial benevolence. Practical Paths to Guard Our Testimony • Keep eyes open: pray daily, “Lord, show me needs within my reach.” • Act promptly: swift obedience counters the temptation to rationalize delay. • Give holistically: combine material help, words of encouragement, and gospel hope. • Engage consistently: make generosity a lifestyle, not a one-off gesture (Titus 3:14). • Partner together: join fellow believers so collective witness magnifies Christ (Philippians 1:27). |
    |