Courage in the Life of a BelieverSample

Courage to step outside our comfort zone

“I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” (Matthew 25:36)

When the Son of Man comes to judge the world, He will separate people from one another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. To the sheep on His right, He will say: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34) He adds: “For I was hungry and you gave me food…”. Those on His right were the people who stepped out to help those in trouble. Typically people who are naked, hungry and thirsty are in unattractive places. Jesus even mentions visiting people in prison! That is the most unappealing place imaginable to go to.

Serving Jesus means to keep our eyes wide open to the needs of the people around us. Meeting their needs is one way to lay up treasures in heaven. Jesus doesn’t mention lofty goals but simple, practical actions. Yet even though these actions are simple, they are not easy. It takes courage to meet the needs of people in unattractive places and situations. Staying home and minding our own business is so much easier. But when we do so, we miss out on the opportunity to serve Jesus Himself — with eternal consequences for our soul.

How can you step outside your comfort zone today and help people in need?