Matthew 25 beginning about verse 34 is too long to quote here, but verse 40 says basically that when we are kind to our brothers and sisters, especially the ones in physical want, lonely, sick, in prison, we are being kind to God. Few of us involved in prison ministry are unfamiliar with this passage.
For me it was an early siren call to caring for others. Often, especially as a callow youth, it was difficult not to feel pity for the needy, uneducated, unlovely of the world. When I asked God how this could be done without feeling distaste and a niggling sense of superiority, the answer came clearly: "Look for me in each face." It was a challenge at first, to see past anger, despair, foolishness, fear, want and just plain meanness. But God was faithful in teaching me that each of His children are wholly amazing and lovely. So few people fail to respond to being treated with respect and kindness, although it can take patience and persistence to prove our faithfulness to folks who are soul weary and body sore.
In truth, most people in distress are used to being overlooked, ignored, feeling invisible and a little kindness often goes a long way for someone who experiences it rarely. The world is untrustworthy in the experience of many, so being serious about keeping your word, showing up even when it is inconvenient, and following through on offers to help can represent a transformational experience for the person you are helping. Sometimes a persons needs feel overwhelming and cause us to hesitate to reach out. In fact, left to our own resources, they would consume us.
But God does not ask us to go love the world based on our own strength or wisdom or courage. In fact He shows us it all goes better when we learn to NOT depend on these things. So go gently, learning, growing and with each step, leaning more heavily on the power of God
For me it was an early siren call to caring for others. Often, especially as a callow youth, it was difficult not to feel pity for the needy, uneducated, unlovely of the world. When I asked God how this could be done without feeling distaste and a niggling sense of superiority, the answer came clearly: "Look for me in each face." It was a challenge at first, to see past anger, despair, foolishness, fear, want and just plain meanness. But God was faithful in teaching me that each of His children are wholly amazing and lovely. So few people fail to respond to being treated with respect and kindness, although it can take patience and persistence to prove our faithfulness to folks who are soul weary and body sore.
In truth, most people in distress are used to being overlooked, ignored, feeling invisible and a little kindness often goes a long way for someone who experiences it rarely. The world is untrustworthy in the experience of many, so being serious about keeping your word, showing up even when it is inconvenient, and following through on offers to help can represent a transformational experience for the person you are helping. Sometimes a persons needs feel overwhelming and cause us to hesitate to reach out. In fact, left to our own resources, they would consume us.
But God does not ask us to go love the world based on our own strength or wisdom or courage. In fact He shows us it all goes better when we learn to NOT depend on these things. So go gently, learning, growing and with each step, leaning more heavily on the power of God
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