Matthew 25:31-46

There have been a number of stories which tell of acts of kinds.  A movie titled Pay it Forward, is about where random acts of kindness; the recipients were encouraged to perform another in return, or pay it forward.

The scripture lesson for today is about treating our Christian brothers and sisters with kindness.  We are to treat everyone as we would treat Jesus.  The reasoning is that those who don't yet know the Savior, will see our behavior and be amazed.  They will witness our love and want some of it for themselves.

“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 35:40)

At first read I thought that gave me a free pass, an easy out.  If I am generous and loving to those I already know it won't be that much of a struggle or challenge, I can do that.  Then I recalled a number of those people whom I find extremely difficult to deal with.  I wonder, who was watching.

When in the grocery line or at the bureau of motor vehicles or the restaurant, I don’t know if those around me are Christian, how then do I behave?  I do know that Jesus loves them and that should be enough for me.  I am thinking right now of those who are part of the Kairos prison ministry - loving the unlovable; the faithful who serve on short-term missions - loving the impoverished...just what Jesus would do.

Read today's Scripture at Biblegateway.