Have you ever stopped to think about how the smallest acts of kindness ripple into eternity? Sometimes, it’s easy to overlook the significance of small moments—the smile to a stranger, a warm meal shared with someone in need, or even lending a listening ear to a friend going through a hard time. But what if these small acts are much bigger in the eyes of God? What if, in those moments, we’re serving Christ Himself?
“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.”
“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 25:31-46 (NIV
In this passage, Jesus paints a vivid picture of the final judgment. What’s striking is how He measures righteousness—not by grand gestures or religious rituals, but by acts of mercy toward those in need. Jesus makes it clear: when we care for others, we’re caring for Him.
Jesus’ message in Matthew 25 is simple, but it cuts deep: to serve Him, we must serve others, especially those who are struggling. He calls us to see beyond ourselves and look into the faces of the hungry, the poor, the lonely, and the forgotten. It’s there—in the messiness and brokenness of life—that we encounter Christ.
Think about the people in your own life. Maybe it’s the person at work who’s always left out, or a neighbor who’s quietly struggling. The opportunity to serve Jesus is often closer than we think. This passage challenges us to see every act of love, no matter how small, as an act of worship. When we give food to the hungry, visit the sick, or show kindness to the stranger, we are honoring Christ.
Take a moment to reflect: how can you serve “the least of these” today? Is there someone in your life who could use a simple act of kindness, a listening ear, or a helping hand? This week, look for Christ in unexpected places. Serve with compassion, knowing that every act of love you extend is a reflection of your love for Him.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding us that serving others is a way to serve You. Open our eyes to see the needs around us. Help us to respond with compassion and generosity, knowing that when we care for others, we are caring for You. Give us hearts that reflect Your love and the courage to act when we see those in need. Let our lives be a testament to Your grace as we seek to serve “the least of these.”
In Jesus’ name, Amen.