Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” (Matt. 25:37)
Expanded Passage: Matthew 25:37–39
Have you ever known someone who is a living example of what it truly means to serve, to place someone else’s needs on par with—or even ahead of—their own? For my husband, it was his grandpop, who was able to love his grandmother and take care of her up until her last day. When she fell and broke both her arms, he acted as her arms. When she needed help walking, he held her steady. He was not helping her to obtain praise for himself; in fact, he probably didn't even realize others noticed. But people did notice, and my husband saw what it meant to love and take care of someone that needed help.
The righteous people Jesus was referring to in this passage are not those who do good things to look great or to get a reward. The righteous do these things because they are allowing God’s goodness to work through them. Throughout your week, you may feel a nudge to talk to someone, donate something, or serve somewhere. Try following that nudge and see where it takes you. As you help others, you help yourself become more in tune with those around you in such a self-oriented time. As you meet others where they are, you just might find you are meeting with Jesus.
Follow the prompts to help.
Rachel Reigard serves the Great Lakes Region of The Wesleyan Church as an ordained minister. She loves walking around Lake Michigan with her husband, Josh, and Corgi, Waffles.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
