As holiday season approaches, don't hold back love and support for others

The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas are filled with anticipation -- of the journey through late fall and facing the horizon of winter surrounded with the nakedness of trees; of the excitement of turkey and Christmas wrappings, along with the darkness of winter nights as it creep its way onto the clock earlier each day; of the warm weather and blue skies that will return someday.

This preseason of celebration is also a time of anticipating hope and encouragement. There is no better time than the present when friends and family need to sense hope and need to be encouraged. Proverbs 3:27 reads, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it."

This proverb reminds us of a simple truth: We are connected with others. It places upon the reader the responsibility and the opportunity to determine exactly how deeply connected they want to be.

To know of need and how to help in times of need, a connection, an openness and a relationship are required. By our natures we gravitate toward relationships. We were never created to live lives of quiet desperation and isolation. We are not alone.

This proverb also encourages all of its readers to not hold back.

Holding back in love, support or giving does no one any good. Holding back done out of the desire to protect yourself creates a personal climate of fear and disinterest.

The depth of a relationship of husband and wife, parent and child, friend and friend will never be realized and lived in when we hold back.

These words do not create an unreachable, idealized goal. But they recognize your ability. The guidance is to do whatever good that is within your strength and ability.

Do good as you are able. Live in a clear and free spirit by honestly asking "have I done all in my power I am able to do?"

This season is the season to see that God has not held back but has done all in his power to do good.

Standing tiptoe on the verge of Christmas reminds all people of faith that he has given the most important good gift he has -- himself through his son.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father and serves as the associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Jackson. Read more from him at www.robhurtgen.wordpress.com.