December 28, 2022 - Matthew 25:41-46

“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Matthew 25:41-46 NLT

Lord, oh, how we pray that these are never words that we hear from you. Please forgive us for not serving those around us like we would if that person was you. I know that we would be so quick to jump into action if you were before us and needed something that we could help with. With you right in front of us it would be easy for us to sacrifice and go above and beyond to meet your needs. Of course, we wouldn’t turn down the God of the Universe if you needed something from us. Yet, this verse tells us that if we are not helping others that is exactly what we are doing. Change our mindset and our hearts so that we can serve others like we would serve you.

Lord, we can easily see that we will not be able to serve each person that we encounter in life like they were you. We simply don’t have the resources or capacity to do that. But please open our eyes to see those you are calling us to help. Help us learn to look outside our own worlds to see the needs of others. Give us insight on what to do. Help us be willing to walk in obedience to anything you ask of us.

In Jesus name, amen.