By John Cordodor
Begin with 2 minutes of Silence
Scripture
Matthew 25:34-36, 40- Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’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.’
Devotional thought Jesus came to serve us, but in serving others we serve him. We must see and serve others (be ever watchful for opportunities of service), even if those works may only be small acts of kindness.
Do not judge others or their circumstances, do not withhold a helping hand, but give energetically of what you have or do what you are able to. Although “the least of these” may be all people, think of those who are largely unable to help themselves. (See James 1:27, Luke 14:12) We ought to serve without thought of reward, recognition or return of favor, being humble and kind as we go. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”. Eph 4:2 God has made us capable of service giving to us what is necessary to help others in need. We demonstrate our Belief, Faith, and Love in God by actively using the gifts he has given us, by unselfish service and love passed along to others. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10.
......He promises we will be blessed!
Finally, getting outside your comfort zone to serve others is not the most natural thing to do. But we are invited to love and serve, to identify needs and to act. This is God’s invitation to us and by accepting He promises we will be blessed!
Question to Consider Is it possible to separate your love of God from loving, as also in serving, God’s people? And who are God’s people?
Prayer Lord give me the ability to discern the needs of my neighbor, give me the wisdom and judgment to carry out your will and impact others around me in a positive, meaningful way. Lord send your Holy Spirit to guide, direct, strengthen and empower me. Give me quick and apparent opportunity to be your servant by being a servant to your people. Thank you for sending your word to me concerning “the least of these”, help me now to act upon it. In the name of your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – Amen.
End with two minutes of silence.