Beautiful Word Devotional #351

“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.’ ”

Matthew 25:40

Jesus told his disciples a story about the end of the age when people will be separated into goats and sheep, and today’s verse is the surprise ending. The goats, Jesus explained, had spent their lives ignoring people in need and doing nothing to help them. The sheep, however, had spent their lives feeding, clothing, nursing, and visiting people in need.

When these sheep acted kindly and with compassion, Jesus explained, they were actually showing him kindness and compassion. What a different perspective on what our ministry is all about!

Of course we aren’t saved by doing good works, but those good works that result from our love for Jesus are more significant than you may have realized. When you choose to love that difficult relative or make a meal for a friend in need, it is as if you are doing so for Jesus himself.

Lord, thank you for opportunities to serve. What a privilege! Help me remember I am serving you when I serve others, amen.