Serving Jesus in Everyday Acts of Kindness

By Romina Chevren

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”—Matthew 25:41–46 (NIV)

In today’s Scriptures, Jesus delivers a powerful message about the final judgment, emphasizing the significance of compassionate action towards those in need. This passage challenges us to recognize the presence of Christ in the marginalized and vulnerable and to respond with love and generosity in our everyday lives. Jesus paints a vivid picture of the final judgment, where the King separates the righteous from the wicked. To those on His left, He declares, "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Their condemnation stems from their failure to show compassion and meet the needs of the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, the stranger, and the imprisoned.

What’s striking about this passage is the response of those who are condemned. They express genuine surprise, questioning when they had the opportunity to minister to the King in such dire circumstances. Jesus' response is illuminating: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." In other words, every act of kindness or neglect towards those in need is regarded as an act towards Jesus Himself.

Now, imagine a typical day in your life. Perhaps you're rushing through your morning routine, grabbing a quick breakfast before heading to work or school. As you navigate through the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to become absorbed in your concerns and responsibilities, oblivious to the needs of those around you.

But what if, amidst the busyness of your day, you encountered someone in need—a hungry stranger asking for spare change, a coworker struggling with a personal crisis, or a neighbor facing financial hardship? In these moments, you can live out the teachings from this passage by extending compassion and assistance to those in need.

Consider the example of encountering a homeless person asking for food. Instead of hurriedly passing by, you could take the time to stop and engage with them, offering to buy them a meal or directing them to a nearby shelter or food pantry. In doing so, you demonstrate the love of Christ tangibly, affirming the dignity and worth of the person before you.

Similarly, if a coworker confides in you about their struggles, you could offer a listening ear, words of encouragement, or practical assistance to help them navigate their difficulties. By showing empathy and support, you create a space for them to experience the compassion and care of Jesus in their time of need.

Even in the seemingly mundane tasks of daily life, such as running errands or completing household chores, there are opportunities to serve others with kindness and generosity. Whether offering to help a neighbor with yard work, babysitting for a friend in need, or simply lending a sympathetic ear to someone going through a tough time, every act of kindness reflects the love of Christ and contributes to His kingdom work.

As you go about your day, may you be attuned to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, guiding you to recognize and respond to the needs of those around you. May you seize every opportunity to extend compassion and assistance to the least of these, knowing that in doing so, you’re serving Jesus Himself.

Pause: Close your eyes and breathe deeply, allowing the words of today’s Scriptures to sink into your heart. Consider the implications of Jesus' words for your own life and how they challenge you to live with greater compassion and generosity towards those in need.

Practice: After reflecting on the passage, identify one practical way you can put its teachings into action. It could be volunteering at a local food pantry or homeless shelter, donating clothing or resources to those in need, or reaching out to someone who is sick or lonely. Choose an action that aligns with your abilities and resources, and commit to practicing it consistently as an expression of your love for Christ and others.

Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for the reminder that every act of kindness and compassion is an opportunity to serve You. Help us to be attentive to the needs of others and responsive to Your prompting in our daily lives. Give us hearts that are open and willing to reach out to those in need, demonstrating Your love and grace in all we do. May our lives be a reflection of Your compassion and mercy, shining brightly as a beacon of hope and love in a world in need. Amen.