14. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: SHARE

Sunday, March 17th

Read Matthew 25:35-40 (copied below).

Follow Jesus…

Jesus teaches that when we kindly share with others–especially those in need–we are sharing with Jesus himself. He names the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the unclothed, the sick, and the imprisoned in his list of people we are to serve.

to be the best version of myself…

Our friends, Kurt and Judy, generously and graciously follow this teaching of Jesus. A few years ago, Kurt saw a news story about the number of impoverished people in his community, and he was immediately inspired to help. He now packs a number of lunches each morning and drives through the city to distribute them to any who would like one. He and Judy have also provided clothing, transportation, help for housing, and part-time employment for people in need. They have experienced times of discouragement and frustration, but their passion and purpose endure. They truly live to serve others as Jesus has taught.

Too often, I can become skeptical, intimidated, or selfish about sharing with others. I tend to overlook my privilege, make excuses, or question whether others will use my donation for what I intend. I forget that Jesus loves “the least of these”–that Jesus is even included as “the least of these.” I am grateful for people like our friends, who steadfastly model what it means to love our neighbor.

for the world.

God, Infinite Love,
Open my eyes to first see you in others,
Open my ears to hear your call to love and serve,
Open my spirit to receive your strength and courage,
Open my heart to serve you–and the least of these–well.

(Photo by Judy; Jim and I are helping Kurt assemble lunches.)

Our reading for Tuesday (19th) is Matthew 6:19-21.

Top photo by Karen; Grampy Jim is sharing a cupcake with our granddaughter.

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Matthew 25:35-40 (NRSVUE)

…I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’