Matthew
25: 40
The
King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the one of the
least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Doing
for the least.
Being
the hands and feet of Christ.
Loving your neighbor as yourself.
Building relationships with all God’s children.
How
do we give all of these commands and directions priority our lives today? It is
very difficult and the most rewarding mission work. It takes time to sink
ourselves into the lives of those we are trying to help. Getting to know them
personally is the only way to help without offending.
A
story:
Shanta
is a 14 year old girl who is 5’11” tall. Extremely thin. Lives in abject
poverty with an alcohol addicted mother and 3 very young brothers and sisters.
I have known Shanta for a couple of years. Shanta was entering the 9th
grade. She had no school clothes, new or old. Her hair had not been done in a
very long time.
Can
you imagine how Shanta felt as the beginning of school drew closer?
If
we apply our Christian faith, what should we do for Shanta…certainly an example
of the “least of these, my sister”?
The
answer seemed to be to take Shanta shopping. Let her pick out the jeans that
fit and were the correct style. Give her the choice of shirts and tees that
coordinated and were the correct style. Find a pair of shoes that fit, size 11,
that were the correct style. Laugh, talk, negotiate, critique, compliment. What
a big blessing for me and hopefully for Shanta!
Over
lunch, our conversation was comfortable and easy. She has called me Grandma for
a long time. That name sure seems to be the highest compliment.
Often
the hard work of being the hands and feet of Jesus is just so demanding,
frustration, and consuming. Then suddenly you are in the right place to feel
the Holy smile of Jesus as he says, “Well done, my faithful servant”.
Gloria
W. Norwood
Good
Neighbor Ministries
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