Theme: We are commanded to serve others.
Scripture: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25: 35-36).
Devotion: Taken by themselves, the words from these verses appear to applaud its readers for abiding by Jesus’s guidance and direction. Jesus, however, is imploring us to do what we so easily neglect to do: Help people, especially when they are in moments of crisis. There is no shortage of people living in some state of need. Most of us have experienced moments of it at some point. And since we have required help during these moments, we should be understanding when others are similarly situated. And yet, we often don’t consider what others may be experiencing, as we are often consumed with our own concerns. In Matthew 25: 41-46, Jesus warns us that if we do not help others, we are not serving him and there will be consequences for our lack of service. Consider this week, how you might help someone. Perhaps visit a friend in prison, visit someone who is sick, give a friend a ride to church or share a meal with an unhoused individual or family in need. We have all been called to serve. How will you respond?
Prayer: Dear God, please motivate and guide us to seek out opportunities to serve others. Bless us to delight in following your word, even when it feels inconvenient or uncomfortable.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
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