Matthew 25:35-36 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, 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. (NIV)
I made an interesting discovery during an earlier Holiday season of my life. One of those "defining moments" in life. Have you noticed during the Christmas Season how the lonely are lonelier, the hurting hurt more, the down and out, more down, the poor are poorer, and even the joyful, seem more joyous?
Our emotions are magnified by the season. For me it’s the busyness and crowed Highways and Stores. It’s a stressful crunch time as another year ends. It’s three holidays jammed in together in a space of two months. It’s the struggle to balance good memories of past traditions with gratitude for new ones, although they look and feel different.
What are we as Christ followers to do?
John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV)
I challenge each of you in the next few weeks to take being a Christ Follower to another level. Take HIS words from your head, move them to your heart, and then to your feet. Let's do something. Let's show the world what being a Christ follower is all about. Jesus' command to us is very simple. All He is saying is just love one another, just love. That's it.
Let's visit that person that is alone, lets feed the hungry, lets share with the poor, lets help the sick, let’s just love one another. Smile at that person sitting alone on the bench; sit down and visit with them for a minute. Let that car or person go in front of you. I know I man that recently bought some flowers and went to a nursing home and gave them to a stranger who was all alone. He really touched that that person with the love of Christ. Just love one another.
Matt 25:40 "The King will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' (NIV)
What an awesome thought … "Whatever I do for others … I do for Christ"
Dear Father, help us move Your word from our head to our heart and on to our feet. Keep us mindful of others during this season and all year-round, Father. Help us understand the magnification of emotions that goes on during this season. Lord, we thank You for your Son, Jesus Christ, the greatest gift ever given! We are so grateful, yet we fail to show our gratitude. Use us this season; we are willing. In Jesus' name, Amen.
David