Come Back Tomorrow
Date: June 1, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: "Do not say to your neighbor, 'Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you'— when you already have it with you." (Proverbs 3:28)
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Loving Father, open my ears to hear Your wisdom in this verse. Teach me the value of generosity and prompt me to be responsive to the needs of others. Help me to avoid selfishness and the temptation to withhold when I have the means to give. Guide me to be a blessing to those around me, reflecting Your love and compassion. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: Author and Context: Proverbs is a book of wisdom, and this verse is part of the collection of wise sayings attributed to King Solomon. It emphasizes the importance of generosity and being ready to help others when we are able. The verse speaks against selfishness and the inclination to delay or withhold assistance. The verse teaches us the value of immediate generosity and the need to be responsive to the needs of others. It cautions against the temptation to delay or procrastinate in helping our neighbors when we have the means to do so. It encourages a spirit of readiness and open-handedness, reflecting the love and compassion of God.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
Neighbor: Refers to those around us, whether they are literal neighbors or people we encounter in our daily lives.
Come back tomorrow: Indicates a delay or a postponement in helping others, possibly due to selfishness or lack of immediate action.
Give it to you: Describes the act of providing assistance, support, or resources to someone in need.
Already have it with you: Suggests that we possess the ability or resources to help, and therefore should not withhold assistance.
S - Summarize and Share: Devotional: Today, let's talk about the importance of being generous and responsive to the needs of others. God calls us to be compassionate and ready to lend a helping hand. It's about having a heart that is willing to act and not postponing our assistance when we have the means to give. When someone comes to us seeking help, whether it's tangible resources, support, or even a listening ear, let's not brush them off or delay our response.
It is easy to get caught up in our own busyness and self-centeredness. We might be tempted to say, "Come back later" or "I'll help you tomorrow." But, the essence of this verse is clear: when we have the ability to help, we should do it without hesitation.
When we possess the means to support and bless our neighbors, let's be ready to extend a helping hand. We should embrace the opportunity to reflect God's love and compassion to those around us. It's about being present in the lives of others, responding to their needs with kindness, and making a positive difference.
Be attentive to the needs of your neighbors. When you have the means to help, don't postpone or withhold your assistance. Step forward with a generous heart and bless others as God has blessed you.
Remember, a small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, spreading love and hope in our world. Let's be people who bring joy and relief to those in need, reflecting the character of our loving Heavenly Father.
Bible cross-references
Proverbs 19:17: "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." This verse highlights the divine reward for showing kindness to the less fortunate.
Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Jesus teaches the principle of generosity, assuring us that what we give will be multiplied and returned to us.
Galatians 6:10: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." This verse emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities to do good and extend kindness to everyone, especially fellow believers.
James 2:15-16: "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?" James challenges us to go beyond mere words and actively meet the practical needs of others.