Matthew 25:37-40  Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?  And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'  And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

Have you seen them?  I have.  The same thought process goes through my mind each and every time I drive by a homeless person:  1.  Pity.  2.  Frustration (at their laziness) 3.  desire to help. 4.  skepticism as to whether they would buy beer or not.  5.  mental comfort at the fact that I drive by without supporting their addiction to alcohol. 

Who are the least of these Jesus is referring to?  Well, He answers that in His statement when He says- “My Brothers”.  We have a great responsibility to minister to the needs of our Christian family (which includes being acutely aware to needs even when they don’t announce them). 

Gal 6:10  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith 

Most people don’t do good to their brothers because they don’t take the time to notice their brothers needs.  Have you had needs in your life met by family or friends or other Christians?  How did you feel?  About the church?  About those Christians?  Did you feel that the church was a real place?  Did you think that those people were genuine Christians?  That’s because they are.  Seeing and meeting people’s needs is REAL CHRISTIANITY. 

Here’s the final question:  Are you looking for someone to minister to?  Here’s my challenge-  find someone tomorrow that needs some type of tangible ministry and service from you.  Love them in a way that  you don’t normally get the opportunity to.  Love them because when you do, it’s as if you are loving the Lord Jesus Christ.  Do you love Jesus?  Then demonstrate your love to Him through loving one another.  Don’t just think about it, or talk about.  Do it.  Demonstrating Christian love is hugely rewarding!  


Please share with me your thoughts, responses, and experiences through your ministry.  God bless you richly this week dear students! 

 


Comments

Jamie

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:07:52

I have noticed over time that if I am in need, our church body is already seeking to help that need. This is a great encouragment to me! No matter how small, fellow Christians are eager to help in any way they can. The ministry of serving others is one thing that seems to separate those "of the church" and those "playing church." If we truly seek to serve the Lord, it will be displayed by how we serve others. The hinderance to serving others, I think, is self. We have better things to do it seems, so why would we work to help someone else? We tell ourselves "surely someone else will help them." Is not serving our duty and joy, believers!?!?!
Of course there are the exceptions: people serve out of pride. Our serving should be for His glory, not ours! If our motives are not right, how is that pleasing to God?
Thanks for starting these devotionals! I hope more people will begin reading them!

 

Matthew Carswell

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:19:44

Hey thanks to Pastor Micheal for the devotionals they are a great tool for me to extend my study of the Bible. Please put more up they are great. I can't wait to read them.

 



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