"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.'" ~Matthew 25:40
We make a living by what we get . . . We make a life by what we give. ~Winston Churchill.
I don't think there is any person who calls him or herself Christian that doesn't adhere to Jesus' admonition to care for the least of those in our society. We are not bettered in life by stepping on others to climb the ladder of success, using others as a means to an end. If anything, we are diminished by our self-interest and self-service, ignoring Jesus' command to love and serve our neighbors.
It is in genuine and loving service to others that we discover the abundant life that Jesus declares He came to give us.
I was hoping that, once retired, I could devote more time to charitable organizations in my community. Alas! My aging mother's needs and providing care for my mother-in-law supersedes any any volunteer efforts I'd envisioned, as well they should. Then Covid strikes with a vengeance, and in order to protect my loved ones, I find myself socially isolated more than I care to admit. Hands-on dreams become a hands-off reality.
Still, not to be dissuaded, I choose two reputable charities to support on a monthly basis: Tunnel 2 Towers and St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Every time a commercial airs which promotes one of the other, I give thanks that I've made this commitment to "the least of these." It warms my heart to hear the success stories of healing for the very young, and the nurturing of families whose loved ones gave all of themselves for all of us.
The innocent and the selfless.
I know these are economically trying times for so many. Even the suggestion of giving away much needed funds can feel threatening and impossible - something relegated to the bottom of our to-do list. If this is you, take heart! There are so many simple things you can do that don't cost a penny, that can demonstrate Jesus' love for others.
- Smile at strangers.
- Be mindful (my word for 2023) of the presence of others wherever you are, and be quick to notice if they could use some help.
- Let the person with one item in the check-out line go before you.
- Take time to chat with clerks and store personnel if the opportunity presents itself.
- Wave at or, better yet, stop when you're driving through your neighborhood and say hello to someone walking their dog or heading for the bus stop to meet their child.
- If you, like me, aren't acquainted with many of your neighbors, make an effort to reach out to them with genuine interest. Even though the holidays have passed, maybe be creative, and think of another great reason to leave a small gift or card at their door.
I so agree with you Martha. I just watched a video of a church pastor in Jacksonville who had an open mic to allow people to speak or ask questions after being misrepresented by local media. He was gracious and loving and humble. The way it should be. The way we should be. We can make a difference by simple things. I'm also glad you have chosen reputable organizations to give you who make a difference. Thanks also for the list of things we can do.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bill, for your kind and thoughtful words here, and for your story about the Jacksonville preacher - I loved reading this! Yes, there are so many simple ways we can give to others in the name of Jesus. Let's remember to do it!
DeleteLove and blessings!
The pianist at our old church often prayed " ...transparency, so that God can be seen though us." Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteLove that prayer and that thought, Susan!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Amen
ReplyDeleteYou said it, Christine.
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Amen. I have chosen organizations to support too, and began doing something new 6 weeks ago, I am mentoring a new Christian once a week in my home. Together our little things add up to great things.
ReplyDeleteHow marvelous, Terra! Spending time one-on-one to strengthen the faith of a fellow believer is definitely a win-win for both parties involved.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, I so enjoyed reading this. You know...I just told someone recently that if all we can give is a smile then give it! God surely does bless us more than we've blessed when we are obedient to Him. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteGod certainly blesses us far more than we deserve, Cindy. And yes, if all we can give in the moment is a smile, that may be the only one that person sees that day - so do it!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
ReplyDeleteYes, we constantly can give or help the least of our brothers and sisters!
There are so many ways to do so and it doesn't need to cost a fortune.
We put together a big box full of books to be red by a family of 10 (8 kids) with limited funds. And so on and so on.
For weeks we've been cleaning out closets and things and handed things to the Mexican crew that comes to do the yard.
It is rewarding to see those big smiles and knowing that nothing will go to waste. As long as we live, we have never ever trashed things but always made an effort to hand it to those that need them.
Also good for the environment!
Love the final line especially...
Hugs,
Mariette
That is absolutely marvelous, Mariette! And it's certainly something all of us can do when we go through our things and do some purging of items we no longer need or want. But as they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure, and those items just might give more hope and help to a needy person or family.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Absolutely Martha Jane!
DeleteAmen, Martha! I like the list of things we can do that don't cost a penny. I start each day asking God to help me be a blessing to at least one person each day. Sometimes I feel it and other times I don't but we don't always know how something we say or do can bless others. Trust and obey!! xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to start each day, Terri! With that mindset, you most certainly will be a blessing to another soul even when you don't see it right away. God's always at work in us when we trust and obey.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Wonderful suggestions! If this isn't my favorite of your posts, it's right up there!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad this post spoke to your heart, Myra! I am honored.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Bom dia, Martha
ReplyDeleteLinda postagem, quantas coisas maravilhosas podemos fazer para demonstrar o amor de Jesus, amei a sua lista, um forte abraço.
There are so very many things we can do to show the love of Jesus to others, Lucinalva. We just have to actually do them!
DeleteLove and blessings!
A brilliant post with great advice. Thanx Martha. I would also add: pray for others without them knowing.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thanks so much, Victor; yes, praying for others is a splendid way to bless them in Jesus' name.
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(Just prayed for you!)
Thank you. It is so needed.
DeleteI pray for all my readers daily. God bless.
Thanks so much, Glynn.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
It's so true that even simple things can make a difference in someone's life, Martha. Whether in our own family or in anyone we meet. May we see each person through the eyes of Jesus! Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteSeeing others through the eyes of Jesus is what it's truly all about, Trudy. And sometimes the simplest gesture can change someone's day for the better.
DeleteLove and blessings!
A beautiful message. I have a very lengthy prayer list. Being rather home bound at the moment, I find it helpful to remember to pray for others. When the weather breaks, I intend to get out more and join an area community center and start walking. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI love that you're not letting your time being homebound go to waste, Cecelia. Nothing is more powerful than prayer!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Excellent post, Martha Jane, with good suggestions. And whatever you do, don't sell yourself short on the issue of community service. Caring for your aging family members is no small task and you know that some of the elderly don't get the care you have given to your family. That definitely counts!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so astute to recognize that aspect of family care, Barbara. It isn't easy, but it's absolutely the right thing to do, especially when it comes to our aging parents. I was so honored to be a part of their lives near the end.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I would add to Barbara's comment above that the loving care you gave to your mother and mother-in-law, Martha, reflected the love of Jesus within you. No doubt others noticed you shining like a star (Philippians 2:15)!
ReplyDeleteI do pray that I was able to shine with Jesus' love for them, but I have to admit, there were times when the whole situation sapped me of energy. But God always gave me the strength to move forward and continue to love and give when I had to. Thanks so much for your kind words, Nancy!
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Martha, this is so beautifully expressed! I love your list of things that don't cost a penny. :-) And this, "It is in genuine and loving service to others that we discover the abundant life that Jesus declares He came to give us." So true! God bless!
ReplyDeleteIt is truer than true - the more we give, the more blessings God showers upon us, Karen. Jesus wants us all to have a servant's heart.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Your thoughtful words tell us that our trifle actions in daily life can make the world better to live together.
ReplyDeleteSmall gestures can often make a huge difference in someone's life, Crane, I agree. God simply expects us to show up and serve whenever we can.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Amen, Martha.
ReplyDeleteA smile always makes two!
Hugs and blessings!
I love that thought, Veronica, and will gladly remember it in the future.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Hi Martha, I totally agree with what you said. Most of my work when we lived in Wales was working in a care home, and going out to people with altziemers. It was a lovely job and I really enjoyed serving and comforting them. i was also a prison visitor on a lifers' wing for a while and loved doing that too. There were so many people who could not forgive themselves for what they had done. My friend and I were in there speaking about Jesus to those who wanted to hear, and It was lovely to tell those people that because they were sorry for what they had done then God forgave them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and rewarding ministry, Brenda! It takes a special person to visit with the sick and those in prison. I so admire you for having that courage and commitment to offer comfort and preach the hope of Jesus to the hopeless.
DeleteLove and blessings!
LOVE this! Amen, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Beckie!
DeleteLove and blessings!
So much to love about this post Ms. Martha. I think we call all share your lament of, "I thought I'd have more time to do things in retirement." I loved your statement of, "I don't think there is any person who calls him or herself Christian that doesn't adhere to Jesus' admonition to care for the least of those in our society." I did want to add, and please know I'm "preaching" to no one in particular here, if you don't feel that way, then I contend that the love of God cannot be in you. There's so many Christian In Name Only (CINO) people who claim Christianity but don't live it because it isn't real and present in their lives. Some are genuinely deceived and convinced their false gospel beliefs will lead them to heaven. As you know my friend, there's only one, narrow path. Thank you so much for sharing this with us today. Worthy of some reflection!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, J. D., for your kind and thoughtful words here! There is only one path, as you say here, and it's narrow, but infinitely rewarding. I pray each day that I'm putting God's will ahead of my own, that His will can be done on earth as it is in heaven. Do I fall short? Of course! But the Lord always picks me up, brushes me off and says, "Keep trying!"
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Amen. Happy Friday my friend. Hugs. Regine
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday to you, Regine, and thanks!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Beautifully shared dear Martha! Sometimes we think we have to do big things, but perhaps it is the very smallest of things that we do that mean so much! We are all in different places and seasons of life, but we can still offer love and hope to those around us with a smile, a card, a wave, a hug, a listening ear. May we be willing and ready to be His hands and feet!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Marilyn, may we always be ready to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this hurting world. I can't think of anything more worthwhile and meaningful.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, this is such a good wake-up call to be open and aware to the opportunities we DO have. Thank you for this nudge to be about our Father's business in the dailyness of our interactions with those we come in contact with. Good stuff. Happy weekend, friend.
ReplyDeleteThis attitude certainly does remind us to be awake and aware of the needs of others around us. May we be content always to be about our Father's business.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Late getting to this one, Martha (I know--shocking, isn't it?) but so glad I did. I think it's one of those that brings a special smile to Jesus' face. The points you made are so much at the heart of His teaching and in this culture cursed with narcissism and greed, they are desperately needed. We never know what kind of struggles might be going on in those we happen to encounter, but that our job isn't to go around looking for those projecting signs of distress. It's just to smile, reach out, and encourage any and all when an opportunity arises. The other thing I've noticed is that when I make an effort to pass along a smile and some kind of positive comment, my own world feels brighter and I come away feeling better whether they do or not. This one was a home run, dear friend, and along with your other adoring fans, I am finding my heart nourished again with the love you always send our way.
ReplyDeleteOh, Ron, you and your words are much too kind, and I so appreciate them! Yes, it's amazing, too, how in giving a smile or kind word to someone works to also brighten our own day. I do believe that when we take the focus off ourselves in order to help someone else, our troubles just don't seem so large after all. Jesus was spot on when He said that if we are to find our life, we must be willing to lose it. The question becomes, are we willing?
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Agree with you!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
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Amen.
ReplyDeleteLoved Martha that Winston Churchill's comment tied in so well with the Matthew quote, it's one I use often with dear ones who think they shouldn't be helped. Awareness of another's nerd is something Jesus lived.. not just practised but LIVED.
May we go and do likewise.
Thanks for sharing, and may God bless you and keep you and all whom you love safe and well.
Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz. X
{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
Amen, Shaz! Yes, let us do everything we possibly can to live a life that honors God and His glory.
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This is so true, dear Martha. It breaks my heart to think of the homeless in our city in this cold weather. I try to stay in close tune with the precious Holy Spirit and mind His prompts to help in any way I can. He is ever faithful.
ReplyDeleteLike you, Cheryl, I so hate the homeless crises in this once great nation; it doesn't have to be this way. We need to return to God's guidance and commandments as we live this life. I pray every day that those in power will realize an awakening to the truth of God's word.
DeleteLove and blessings!