“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 ill and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” ‘Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison and go to visit you?” ‘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 25:35-40 - New International Version)
Jesus was very clear in His ministry on earth, in His sacrifice and in His death; helping others is vital within God’s plan. During His life Jesus helped others, and not just in the miracles that He accomplished. Jesus was an advocate of doing simple things to help others too. Providing the basic necessities of life for those less fortunate is a way of showing that we are Christ-like.
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
(1 John 3:17 - New International Version)
Helping others doesn't always involve material possessions. Often a kind word to someone in need of comfort, befriending someone or an offer of practical help (especially when you are already busy) is a way of making a difference in people’s lives and shines the light of Christ out into the world.
Imagine if it were Jesus standing there; we'd all be tripping over ourselves in our rush to offer help! That’s the concept here…it doesn't matter that it is not Jesus in person, as when we help other people we are helping Him too. We are furthering the cause of the Kingdom by witnessing to the world, showing the giving and caring spirit of Christ who lives in us.
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
(Luke 6:38 - New International Version)
We are promised that giving will be a blessing for us too. When we give, be it through our money, worldly goods, time, prayers, encouragement, love…we will receive more back. Our God in Heaven will provide more than even the richest person on earth could ever give. In fact, if you added up all of the wealth in the whole world it would still pale into insignificance in comparison to the treasures we will have in Heaven. I know that I always feel a blessing from God when I have given selflessly.
Gifts from God
Our gifts can help us to determine how we give of ourselves. God graces us with different abilities and these can be used to bless others. It might be that you could help others by volunteering in some way within your church, or within your community. What we do to help is not as important as why we do it and how we do it. We should always do it for God and without desire for recognition or reward.
God doesn't measure us against other people – he loves us all the same, no matter what talents we have. He gave us those different talents, so must have a different plan for each of us in using them. It’s the familiar concept of the church as a body…each part doing its job so that the whole can function. The brain or heart are very important and without them the whole body dies, but we must also remember that the individual, small and unnoticed cells that make up these organs are just as vital. Every part of the body is equally worthy.
Faith and deeds
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
(James 2:14-17 - New International Version)
The Apostles continued Jesus’ work on earth and in doing so preached about the need to help others, but that practical offerings of help are a result of faith, not a substitute for it.
James clearly shows that doing good works alone is NOT the way to get to Heaven. There are many generous and giving people on earth who, because they do not know Christ, will fall short of the glory of God. What we need to do is share the Good News with them!
When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will actively demonstrate this through what we do because Christ’s goodness and generosity lives inside of us. People who are truly dedicating themselves to God will not be able to turn people in need away as the Holy Spirit in them will be guiding their hands and mouths.
Jesus would never turn people in need away, so neither should we. Can we truly claim to have faith in Christ if we do nothing about it when we see people in need?
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law”
(Galatians 5:22-23 - New International Version)
When we are filled with the spirit we will be given power and blessings in order to bear fruit in our lives. These gifts are given to us so that we are equipped to do God’s will and to share the Good News. For some this will be through ministries such as preaching or leading worship. For others it will be in the form of quiet, often overlooked and yet still incredibly powerful ministries that shine an equally bright light from within their hearts.
(2 Corinthians 9:11)
Whatever it is that God calls us to do, let’s do it with joy in our hearts!
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:16 - New International Version)
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