“Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matt. 25:40)
Expanded Passage: Matthew 25:31-46
One of our grandsons spent a couple of years with a parachurch ministry, reaching out to college students both at home and abroad. It was a faith-building experience for him as he had to raise his own support.
In a small group of which we were part, my wife and I requested prayer for him that the Lord would bless him in his preparation and in carrying out his mission. We also prayed that God would touch people’s hearts and respond to his requests for assistance.
Although we did not ask them directly, a couple who were friends of ours sent our grandson a very generous check. If we understood correctly, they did it more than once. I can tell you that was very meaningful to us.
So, if our hearts are touched when someone helps a person we love, think of how the heart of God is touched when we help others in his name.
The flip side of that coin is when we hurt one of God’s children, it also causes him pain. When the Lord encountered Saul on the road to Damascus, he asked, “Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
Saul had never met Jesus in person. Yet, when he arrested and imprisoned Christians, Jesus felt the pain. Whether we help or hurt others, it touches the heart of God.
Think about how your actions affect the heart of God.
Ron McClung is a retired minister in The Wesleyan Church. He and his wife, Carol, live in Michigan and have two sons, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
