A Daily Devotion for Thursday, April 24
- ontrakk
- Apr 24
- 1 min read
Matthew 25:35
”‘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,‘“
Hunger and thirst are the most basic feelings we can have as human beings- simple, but signaling essential needs. Jesus reminds his disciples that every time they take care of one who is hungry or thirsty, it is as if they are taking care of Him. We can show our love for Jesus by showing love for others. I believe this is really all Jesus wants from us.
Holy Lord, make me bold. Help me to reach out to others at every opportunity, especially where I see a need. I want to live out my love for you. Amen
Becky, transforming
Matthew 25:35
These are Jesus' own words. This is our personal responsibility. We should always be on the lookout for simple acts of mercy we can do in his name--for him. No one, not even Jesus said they had to be big things. Making someone feel welcome, helping someone reach the top shelf, these things are small but important. If we just remember it is Jesus we are welcoming and Jesus we are helping, how easy these small things are.
Prayer: Gracious God, I try to always find ways to be of help to others. I do it for you. AMEM
Matthew 25:35
Clearly, God wants us to help and comfort others in need, love our neighbors. From time to time I visit Arlington Community Services, a local food bank. I always feel sad when I see folks in the line to pick up food and beverage. As I wait to be “buzzed in” with my donations, I wonder what their stories are…a woman and child perhaps abandoned, a younger man perhaps has lost his job, an elderly couple perhaps not enough retirement to get by… All of these people have a story, all of these people deserve basic necessities, all these people deserve love.
Dear God, as I count my many blessings, please help me to help others in need.…
Thursday, April 24th, 2025
Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
These verses (before and subsequent) lists specific acts of kindness: giving food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned. Jesus identifies with those who are in need and suffering, and those who help the needy are seen as helping him. (whatever you did for one of the least, you did for me) Our acts of compassion demonstrate a love for God and others. This verse is a direct message to care for the vulnerable and marginalized, showing compassion and…
Matthew 25:35
If a person’s basic physical needs are not met, it is difficult to impossible to minister to their spiritual hunger and thirst. On the other hand, offering food and drink in the name of Jesus without an encouraging word of witness or prayer for the person in need could be seen as superficial compassion, a bandage where stitches were needed. In these days, with so many suffering for lack of the basics, the challenge to believers is great and must be approached with both discernment and the inspiration of Jesus’ teachings.
Prayer - Precious Jesus, the needs in the world, even in our seemingly affluent little corner of it, seem overwhelming at times. Grant me the wisdom to…