God instructed me to do a different type of blog entry today: In obedience, I said "Yes". Here we go...................................................
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.
Matthew 25:34-40
Today, I am aware that I will encounter several different people. People from all different walks of life. Some maybe rich others poor. Some may be in need of a divine healing despite their well put together appearance. There may even be someone whose life is ending in what seems to be the blinking of an eye. It could be a new Christian just beginning their walk with Christ. Oh my!it could even be a person who I personally find irritating.
I personally reflected back to the various encounters where people were hungered and begged for money, food or may have needed a hug. Truthfully, at times I scoffed at what I thought was a scheme or a gimmick. Other times, I may have rushed past the need for hugs with a half smile probably mumbling about something that now seems less important.
Sometimes, I was moved by compassion to give outside of myself and would go above and beyond . This scripture challenged me to reassess my actions -good or bad.
As a babe in Christ, I thought that my conditional giving met God's approval. God reminded me in this scripture passage to be mindful of such an arrogant attitude. He challenged me to a different thought pattern. One based on his heart, not my human mind. God challenges us in this Matthew 25 vs34-40 to possess Unconditional or Agape love for our brothers and sisters. He takes it a step further in that he reminds us that in doing these acts we are reaching out to people created in his likeness. Howbeit, that we have the opportunity to touch God by reaching one another- yet we still operate selfishly and refuse to render aid.
Visits to the sick may not take away illness but will administer the love of Christ to the patient. Feeding the hungry with natural foods may only sustain them with a meal for a day; but the Agape love shown in the act will satisfy their soul's hunger. Clothing will at times receive wear and tear; but a warm coat coupled with the warmth of the Holy Ghost's presence will make a lasting robe of joy. Shelter from a rainstorm maybe fleeting, but introducing Christ to someone in the midst of life's storms leaves an everlasting dwelling place.
As you go through your day, please reflect back on this scripture. In the opening verse, Christ reminds us that there is a reward for us in Heavenly places. Reach out to those in need,show the love of Christ to someone.
Reflection: When I encounter others can I put my agenda aside for a moment?
Prayer:
Father help me today to show your unconditional love to someone placed in my path. Allow me to be your witness of Love to them today. Let them know Father that though we live in what is perceived to be dying world your Resurrecting power lives on through your witnesses. Strengthen our hands to reach out and minister effectively to the needs others. AMEN
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