Promptitude: The Attitude of Prompt Help

Daily Scripture Threshing for Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Today’s Text: Proverbs 3:26-35

Key Verse: Proverbs 3:28 (NLT): “If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

Let us be frank about this: the majority of Christians are not aware that withholding good that is in our capacity or means to impart at any point in time is a sin. We always look pharisaically on certain categories of actions as grievous over others, but before God no sin is negligible. Biblical Christianity teaches that we are debtors of/to God’s loving-kindness. God expects and requires us to give all the kindness we can, and which are due to our fellow men — especially those who are less privileged.

Of course, some people seek help illegitimately to take undue advantage of others. We need the place of discernment in administering help in a way that unjust beggars or borrowers do not take advantage of us; or so that our kindness does not amount to injustice to ourselves and our family. Having said this, we are commanded by today’s key text to eschew hoarding and absorption. Not giving to those who ask us when we are able is a form of sin, and not giving it promptly is another. Edward Johnson in his commentary opines that giving promptly is like giving twice. When kindness is deferred, it loses its purpose and glory. Whereas the gift is intended to be a blessing; the timing makes it neutral. For a stitch in time, they say, saves nine. In the spiritual order of choices and decisions, a duty deferred for tomorrow may be too late, never, or forever.

Quote for the Day: “Kindness is more about promptness than goodness — For what does goodness achieve if not available when needed." (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Lord, make me your voice for the voiceless; your hands for the needy; and above all, please make me your means for the very present help. In Jesus' name. Amen.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

The Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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