"40 Days of Love" in American Sign LanguageSample

The Best Time to Love Is Now
By Rick Warren

“Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbor to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.” (Proverbs 3:27-28 GN)

The best time to love is now — not tomorrow. Not later. Not someday. Not one of these days. Not when you get around to it. Not soon. Now.

I don’t understand all these people who say, “I’m going to save all my money, and when I die, I’m going to give it away to charity.”

Why do that? Why not enjoy giving? Why not get the joy of giving by doing it now? Whatever you’re going to give of yourself, give it now!

Years ago, we received a check at Saddleback from a couple who knew we needed to upgrade our worship center from analog to digital and replace equipment that was more than 15 years old. The check was for half a million dollars, and it had a note with it that said, “It’d be great to have some new carpet, too.”

Those people got a whole lot more joy out of giving now rather than after they’re dead. This is why I say, “Do your givin’ while you’re livin,’ then you’re knowin’ where it’s goin.’” And it will give you joy!

The Bible says, “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbor to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now” (Proverbs 3:27-28 GN).

Never procrastinate in showing love. Don’t delay. Don’t put it off. Do it now.

Talk It Over

What do you need to do today to show love to someone in your life?

What are the distractions or excuses that keep you from loving well now?

What is it that God is asking you to give now that you have put off?