Who are the least? Jesus told us who they are and He told us the consequences of not helping them. Do we get caught up in comments and posts that make it look like all people who need help are lazy? I have been in need. Those who are in dire straights cannot just pull themselves up without a hand. As Christ followers we are called to help not judge. Human trafficking is real, medical bankruptcy is real, job loss is real, loss of a spouse and the only finical provider is real. I do believe many of us walked in these times, I know my family has. So, Who are the least of these?
Matthew 25:41-46 Then the King will also say to those on His left hand, “Depart from Me you cursed into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in; naked and you did not clothe Me; sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.” Then they also will answer Him saying, ‘Lord when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to the least of these you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.
We none can do it all but we all can do a little.
James 2:15-16 If a brother or sister is destitute of daily food, and one of you say to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Proverbs 3:27-28 Do not withhold good from those whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so, Do not say “Go and come back tomorrow and I will give it,” when you have it with you.
Proverbs 19:17 He who lends to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
Are we listening? Will we listen? It is not up to one of us but to all of us who say we believe in “Jesus.” There are ways to help by donating to local food banks or local shelters. These have a list of things that they need. As a church group these could be collected and donated. It is noticing those around us every day that may not say anything about their struggles yet need a hand, an ear to listen, a gesture of kindness. Be careful lest you entertain angels.
Matthew 6:3 But when you do your charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
No Comments