February 20, 2026 -- Proverbs 3:27 -- Choose to act out the good you have received

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to do it.
Proverbs 3:27 ESV
 
Choose to act out the holiness you have in Christ. As I’ve noted before, I’m not sure where I first heard this expression, but it is so appropriate here: righteousness is holiness in action. What is stored up in your heart, the knowledge of God, love from God to you, love for God, love for neighbour, will flow from you in a demonstration of love. Good that you do can only flow from every good gift you have received from your Father in heaven. You have life. You have the gift of salvation through the reconciling blood of Jesus. You have the Holy Spirit planted in you to guard you in the grace of God and to equip you for righteous living.
 
From the abundance of His care to you, share good with those around you. Notice the passage restricts the giving of good to what is in your power to do. The word power in the original language is hand. Literally it reads ‘when it is in your hand to do it’. You are not to spend what you don’t have. God gives you hours in the day. He gives you talents. He gives you mental, physical and emotional strength. From the abundance with which He has blessed you, bless others. He has appointed you to be a channel of His blessing to the people He put into your life. You are uniquely suited for that purpose.
 
It is encouraging to note that Jesus did not heal every single person He met. Jesus, directed by the Holy Spirit, exercised His power for good. Even Jesus Himself, as a fully human man, could become depleted. The Gospel of Luke notes that Jesus often went to lonely places to pray. His intimate connection with the Father, through such prayer times, refreshed His soul, strengthened His weary body, and renewed His zeal for service. We know how to live, apportioning good to whom it is due, only as much as we rely on our relationship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Today’s passage is an invitation to be refreshed in God; and as you yourself are refreshed and strengthened in Him, use your abilities to be a blessing to others.
 
Father in heaven, blessed be Your Name, now and forever more. Thank You for the new life You give to Your people through Jesus Christ. Renew us by Your Spirit through the Word so we, who have been strengthened by You, will be willing, ready, and able to bless others out of the abundance of Your grace which wells up in us to eternal life. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/rpYM6Et_hVY?si=8D33YjGN7wH9gsXq He Leadeth Me
 

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