34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 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, 36 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.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
I had another topic scheduled for today's blog, but as things often go, plans change. Life happens. And God shows us something different or new. During this time of year, while we take time to celebrate and be joyful, we are also aware of those who are hurting. Some have just lost someone they loved. Some are faced with poverty. Some have just received bad news about health issues. Some are faced with financial issues. Some are battling depression and other mental illnesses. Some are facing spending Christmas alone. Some are dreading a time of year that brings up feelings of sadness, loneliness and pain. Others may not be facing anything in particular but are just doing the best they can to provide for their families.
So today I just wanted to post a reminder to remember those who are hurting this year. The verse above says it so much better than I ever could. Words straight from the Miracle of Christmas, Jesus. When we take the time and make the effort to help someone in need, we are in turn helping our Savior. He takes very seriously how we, as humans, treat each other. He commands love and compassion for our fellow man.
So this year, put differences and prejudices and anger and selfishness aside. And give. Give as you never have before. Give your love. Give your time. Give the hope of Christ. Knowing, that in giving to your fellow man, you are giving to the One who is the giver of the greatest gift we've ever known.
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