Goody goody two-shoes

Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act – this week's theme verse.

1. Bottom line - if you can, make sure you do good! It brings its own benefits - doing God's will is good for us! (Need reminding? Take a peek at Proverbs 11:17 again.)
2. It seems some people don't deserve it though...we looked for some clues in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 (for those of you that thinking "2 wha..? Fessaalalalinions?" I think you need to practise finding that book in the last part of the Bible!) Some early believers were perfectly capable of working, but were taking advantage, whilst others slaved their guts out to bring in the food. Paul said "NO! Make them feel ashamed of themselves, don't just watch them lazing about, and poking their noses into other people's business! They need to get out there and make themselves useful!" Hmm...let someone copy the homework you worked hard on while they were on msn...?
3. Flip back to Proverbs 16:26 and you'll find it's actually natural and healthy to want to work. So, sometimes our helping someone can actually do more harm than good...
4. Luke 14:12-14 (easy, you should ALL know where the Gospel *hinthint* of Luke is) - what's our motive for doing good? Is it because we know we'll get some benefit out of it? I'll get you a nice bday pressie and you'll get me an even better one cuz I know you're really generous and loaded?
5. OK stay in Luke for a bit and read the parable of the Good Samaritan in 10:25-37. (Sorry for flipping through so many passages this week guys - I was exhausted by the end too - oops!) Take note of how he helped the guy generously and thoughtfully, with what was within his ability. Notice also, that he didn't cancel his trip, take the guy home, wait on him hand and foot, get his kids to help change the dressings on his wounds, and convert part of his hut into a luxurious ensuite bedroom for him...
6. Back to the bottom line though, if I've gone too deep on how to be wise in doing good, that you've forgotten the theme verse, let's flip to two more passages to remind ourselves that God intends for us to DO GOOD! Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 6:9.

Alright, that's me done then, I've gone overboard with the words again. Proverbs 3:27 is the bonus verse for March if you've got space left in your grey muscle. Learn it! :)