Begin with 2 minutes of silence.
Scripture: Matthew 25:34-40
34 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. 35 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, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[f] you did it to me.’
Devotional
By Janice Busboom
In some sphere's of our current culture, "Christians" are known to be self-righteous, arrogant and self-absorbed. As a believer, I scoff against such classifications, knowing that many of my brothers and sisters in Christ are loving, giving and generous to all whom they come in contact with. Where did such a poor reputation come from then? Is there some truth in our inability to be concerned about those who are hungry and poor? That we can easily turn our head away from those who are shabby, homeless, and less than clean. How often do we forget to pray for those that are ill, physically or mentally? Or those who made poor choices in their lives?
God set the pattern for us by giving up everything, including His Son, so that we might have something better.
Of course, there is truth in it. We are by nature self-righteous, arrogant and self-absorbed. That's why the above passage is so important! God calls us to serve others as a way to overcome the natural flesh. God set the pattern for us by giving up everything, including His Son, so that we might have something better. Jesus wanted us to understand that all around us are those who are in need. People who are struggling to make ends meet, people who are lonely, people who need a listening ear, people who struggle with their burdens.
As we step out of our natural inclination of the sin nature, let us remember who we are serving as we seek to do good deeds. Behind every person, whether we see beauty or ugliness, is a creation of God. As we seek to serve, seek to see Jesus present there.
Question to Consider
Consider a moment when it has been difficult for you to serve someone. Why was it difficult to do so? What reasons might you tell yourself that you can't help someone else?
Prayer
Lord, I pray you would help me to overcome any fears or resistance I have in serving. Help me to see those people that you have put in front of me and to serve them in their need, whatever that may be. Guard my heart, Lord, that I would not be judgmental or use excuses to avoid serving them. Give me eyes to see you in every person, the person that you created. And remind me to continue to pray always......for your grace and mercy when I fall short. In Jesus' name, Amen!
End with 2 minutes of silence.
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