Scripture for Today
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.’ - Matthew 25:35-36 NIV
When God blesses you to have more than enough, the heart that you operate in matters. Whether having plenty or having less than enough, your heart shows God how He can trust you. Your heart reflects the love that you have for other people.
Many will freely give from their abundance. However, how many can truly say that when they had just a little, they were willing to give that to someone who needed it? The biggest trick of the enemy is convincing you that there is another issue, another bill, another obligation, another time commitment that keeps you from giving what little you have to another human being.
This is how the enemy disconnects us from one another. This is how he isolates us and disconnects us from each other. When we have the heart of the Father and we give to the least of these, Jesus explains in this scripture that we are giving to Him. Matthew 25 has many parables, but the parable about the sheep versus the goats is the one that is being discussed in verses 35 through 36.
In this window of scripture, we can see that Jesus is clearly demonstrating that He will see the heart for how you treated others, and these things are not merely about emotionally loving thy neighbor. These things are active, tangible evidence with your actions of how you have loved others. You are blessed to be a blessing.
Maybe more than enough is not what you have maybe you have just enough to be able to share a meal with a stranger. Maybe you have some other things that you've outgrown that you can give to others. Maybe you have additional time where you can commit to once or twice a month in a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. The way you treat others matters. You are blessed to be a blessing.
The moment that we are convinced by the enemy that there is too much to do, the cost of goods is too high, that inflation is through the roof, and that we can't actively love one another, that is when the enemy wins. That is when your light begins to dim, and that is when the enemy begins to have victory.
Today, commit to being the light on the hill that cannot be hidden. Commit to your good works being seen by men that God may be glorified. Know in your heart that as long as your heart is to please God and you are doing it unto the Lord, whether or not anyone sees it doesn't matter. But people will know by how you love, they will know by how you give, and God will know by how you live out His word.
Three Practical Ways To Walk Out This Word Daily
1. Give Generously from What You Have
Do not wait until you have abundance to show kindness. Even in seasons of little, you can choose to bless others. Whether sharing a meal, giving away extra clothing, or offering your time, every act of love reflects the heart of Christ. Proverbs 19:17 reminds us that whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.
2. Be Intentional in Serving Others
Loving your neighbor is more than words; it requires action. Look for practical ways to serve in your community. Volunteer at a food pantry, visit someone who is lonely, or support a family in need. Galatians 5:13 says, serve one another humbly in love. Your intentional service demonstrates God’s care to a hurting world.
3. Keep Your Heart Focused on Pleasing God
When you serve others, do it unto the Lord, not for recognition. Jesus taught that what you do for the least of these, you do for Him. Colossians 3:23 says, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. A heart focused on Him keeps your motives pure and your light shining brightly.
Closing Encouragement
You are blessed to be a blessing. Every meal shared, every kind word spoken, and every act of service is noticed by God. Walk confidently knowing that as you love others, you are loving Christ Himself. Let your actions glorify Him and bring light to those around you.