Do not withhold

Short Story:

In a small village, an old widow named Mama Lili grew a garden of vegetables. Every harvest, she would give baskets of food to hungry children and struggling families. One year, her harvest was smaller, and she considered keeping it all for herself. But when a neighbor knocked, sharing that her family hadn’t eaten in days, Mama Lili gave away what little she had. Days later, a stranger visited her with a truck full of supplies, saying he felt led to bless someone who had shown kindness. Mama Lili wept, not for the gift, but because her faith to do good had come full circle.

Moral Lesson:

We often think doing good requires abundance—but God calls us to give from what we already have. Withholding help, when we’re able to give it, is not just a missed opportunity—it’s disobedience to divine purpose.

Application:

This verse reminds us that goodness is an action, not a feeling. Whether it's a kind word, a shared meal, or a helping hand, we must act when we have the chance. You don’t need wealth to be generous—you need a willing heart. Start with your circle: Is there someone in need of encouragement, prayer, or support that you’ve overlooked?

Appeal:

Don’t wait for perfect conditions to do good. The power to act is already within you. God doesn’t bless us just to store up—He blesses us to pour out. You may never know how your small act of kindness could change someone’s life.

Call to Action:

Today, look around you. Find one person to bless with your time, words, resources, or presence. Write that message. Make that call. Offer that help. When it is in your power to act—act. For in doing so, you reflect the generous heart of God.

Let your hands be God's hands today.