The Least of These

Theme

As we pray this week, we are participating in the Story of God by being people who represent God well

Scriptures

Micah 6:8: He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

    And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

    and to walk humbly with your God.

Matthew 25:37-40: “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 sick 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.’

Reflect

What does the Lord require of you? 

That's the question posed in Micah 6:8. Then it gives us the answer - "to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." What does that look like in our daily lives as we strive to represent God well?

To act justly, we need to do what's right according to God's standards, not the world's. It involves standing up for the oppressed, helping those in need, and acting with integrity in everything we do. 

Loving mercy causes us to show compassion for others and showing kindness even when it's not deserved, just like God's mercy toward us. 

And walking humbly with your God is the basis, the motivation for treating others as Christ would. The more we love God the more we desire to obey and please Him.

When Jesus walked on earth He didn't just hang out with the wealthy and powerful. 

He looked for those in need - lepers, blind, lame - and met their physical needs first. 

Once they were taken care of physically their spiritual needs could be addressed. 

We need to follow Jesus' example by looking for opportunities to meet others' needs in real, practical ways in addition to helping them see their need for God.

Pray

Lord, 

Give me a heart of compassion for those who are often overlooked. 

Show me how I can express your love to those around me. 

Open my eyes to opportunities to serve others as I would serve You directly. 

Amen