"Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me."
Matthew 25:44-45
Mentioned this yesterday, but still thinking about it. I think the opposite verses (39-40) are much easier to read, because we get to feel good about all the little things that we do for others. Looking at it the other way is a lot harder, because we have to consider all the things that we haven't done. The times that we've walked past someone who needed help, or not said the nice thing, or resolved the argument, or taken advantage of an opportunity to lift someone else's spirits.
Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me."
Matthew 25:44-45
Mentioned this yesterday, but still thinking about it. I think the opposite verses (39-40) are much easier to read, because we get to feel good about all the little things that we do for others. Looking at it the other way is a lot harder, because we have to consider all the things that we haven't done. The times that we've walked past someone who needed help, or not said the nice thing, or resolved the argument, or taken advantage of an opportunity to lift someone else's spirits.
I don't think that looking at it in this way means that we need to feel overwhelmed and guilty all the time, or that we need to quit our jobs and spend all our time volunteering in orphanages. That is a good idea, of course, if we can afford to do so, but in general I think this just means that we need to be more aware of what is going on around us each day. Improvement is a process in this as in other things... and opportunities will be there. We don't necessarily have to go out of our way... we just have to see the needs of the people around us, and act on them. Sometimes it will be as easy as responding more positively... strangers need support and love, as do people who have been imprisoned. Other times, we might have to do more. If someone doesn't have enough clothing to endure the elements, maybe we can help. If someone is hungry or thirsty, we can probably share.
Today, let's see the needs of the people around us. Let's treat them all like family. Taking care and providing help according to the situation. And as we improve, we'll start helping Christ more than we ignore him or turn him away... and eventually, with lots of practice, hopefully we'll be helping him all the time. And then we'll be ready to face him. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment