Matthew 25:36-40

New International Version

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.’

For Encouragement

Sometimes it feels like our good deeds go unnoticed. People may seem ungrateful or only interested in their own needs, expecting everything to go their way. With so much uncertainty in the world, it’s difficult to decide who to help or welcome into our lives. So how do we know who to help, and how much should we do for them?

We can learn a lot from Jesus. Throughout His time on earth, He performed miracles, healed the sick, fed the hungry, and did many other good things. These acts were rooted in compassion and a desire to honor God. If you look at His ministry, you’ll often find the words: “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them” (Matt. 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; Jn. 11:33-35). These moments show that Jesus always cared for people. He didn’t stop to question why they were suffering or what caused their problems. Instead, when He saw someone in need, He helped them.

When Jesus healed the man born blind (Jn. 9:1-34), the disciples wanted to know the cause of his blindness, but Jesus focused on showing God’s glory. He said, “This happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (3). Jesus was always compassionate and wanted to reveal God’s glory through everything He did. This is the example we are called to follow.

We won’t always understand why things happen or know who we should help or how much we should do. As God’s children, we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us. The Spirit helps us grow in kindness, so we can show compassion and do things that honor God. If our goal is to bring glory to God, His Spirit will lead us. The real question isn’t whether every situation deserves our help, but whether we act with Christ’s heart and follow the Spirit’s guidance as we navigate life for God’s glory.

Remember this: one day, the One who sees everything and rewards us, the King of kings, will say in heaven, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:36-40)

So let your strength grow as you listen to His word, which encourages you not to tire of doing good. At the right time, you will see the results if you don’t give up. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:9-10).

Pray with Me

Lord Jesus, help me have a heart like yours for those in need, without relying on their social status as an incentive. Thank you for your Spirit’s direction and discernment. Amen.  

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