"For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me."
They also will answer, "Lord when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?"
He [Jesus] will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." Matthew 25:41 - 45
They are convicting words.
I recently ran across this paraphrase of those same verses:
"For I was hungry, while you had all you needed. I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water. I was a stranger, and you wanted me deported. I needed clothes, but you needed more clothes. I was sick, and you pointed out the behaviours that led to my sickness. I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved." (paraphrased by Richard Stearns, president of World Vision)
What am I tangibly doing for Jesus? How am I serving "the least of these?" Am I sharing Jesus with others through on my actions?
Or, am I choosing to live the good, safe, comfortable life?
It is something to think about. But please, don't stop there.
2 comments:
That is a powerful paraphrase. Like you, I ache and give and pray and wonder...could I do more??
Megan - Funny you have this up here because I have been thinking about posting on this topic. I also think of the song "If we are the Body." In my personal experience Megan, there are people in my church who know me. They know my story. They know my situation. They see me, a married woman, alone, drag two kids into church week after week, loaded down, sometimes with them screaming as I try to get everyone where they need to be so I can attend worship. What kills me inside is why, they don't help...or offer to...even if I was to say no, I was okay. Why not show Christ's love this way? If we are the body, why aren't is arms reaching? Why aren't his legs moving? Why not? You could never know the impact that this could/would have on someone. You don't know if you may be the icing on the cake to lead them to Christ!!!
I AM NOT BOASTING - but I try to find ways everyday to help people, to love people in Christ's name, to let people know they are not alone out there, b/c I know!!! This is one of Christ's greatest commands - As he commisioned Peter...Do you love me Peter? Then Take care of my sheep! John 21:15-19
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