Understanding the Assignment

Scripture: Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Matthew 25:34-36

Observation: Jesus discusses judgment day and separating the good and faithful from the unbelievers. The criteria discussed is about how we are to care for and love others. The good will have provided for the poor, hungry and downtrodden strangers. Caring for them is the same as caring for Jesus himself.

Application: I struggle with this concept as there are so many poor, hungry and downtrodden strangers who themselves are not Jesus-like. I know many are in their circumstances due to the evils of the world, the influence of satan, and hardships caused by our fallen society. I can blame their "choices", but those choices came from somewhere, and were made available only through evil influences.

The point is not to judge, but simply to try to respond to the needs of others. Jesus would do that. Jesus did that. There are questions about where to start and how to proceed for sure, but the question must not be about if this is a worthwhile activity. Jesus told us to do it.

I often ask for my heart to be softened toward others, so I may love others better. This is a place I must improve. I cannot continue to be apathetic toward the homeless, or cynical toward the issues that cause such conditions. I can blame many for the flaws of the world that have created this, but in the end it is the evil one's influence in the world that has caused the issues, and I can have pity.

Prayer: Lord, may I love others as you would. Amen.