35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “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 25:35-40)
This week will be a hectic one for Libby because we will consider a difference Discipline each day. Believe it or not, this is the final week before Holy week and we have 5 more Disciplines to consider. Today we will focus on the Discipline of Service and we have a question from Ayesha. As a reminder, you will play the part of Libby and share your thoughts on the challenges people are facing. Libby is not expected to be an expert. Rather, Libby simply shares from personal and practical experiences. So, please feel free to chime in even if you have questions yourself. Also, even if you don’t have the time to share, think about how you have addressed the challenge in your life or how you would address it in the life of a loved one.
Please review the Bible passage above and Ayesha’s challenge below.
Dear Libby,
I heard a Bible teacher once say that most Christians say they will be committed to acts of service, until they meet the people they must serve. I think the teacher was talking about me. People can be mean, deceitful, ungrateful and sometimes even dangerous. It seems as if all the mushy Hallmark moments never come my way. So, I have become wary of service unless the circumstances are very risk free and totally within my comfort zone. Sometimes, deep inside I ask myself, “Why take chances?”
On the other hand, sometimes when I take the time to reflect, I don’t feel good about my reticence, cynicism and fear. I see that there is so much need. I want to grow stronger in this area. What would you suggest?
Anxious to serve,
Ayesha
Today’s Question:
What thoughts would you like to share with Ayesha?
April 3, 2017 at 6:42 am
Dear Ayesha,
Thanks for your question. I’m not sure I know the right answer but I know that God wants us to follow the example of Christ which is to serve others. As I think of those Christ served during His ministry I can’t think of anyone who was turned away because they were found unworthy or because of fear.
I would suggest prayerfully asking the Lord to show you where to serve. Also serve in an area that aligns with your passion and gifting. Find nonprofit organizations that have been vetted by your church or where you know a board member and want to advance their mission.
Start small and prayerfully. It will change you for the better.
April 3, 2017 at 9:29 am
Dear Ayesha,
Thank you for your letter. I believe the following Bible passages taken from the words of Jesus will help guide you as to the appropriate attitude of the Christian, as it has helped guide me.
Luke Chapter 6: 37-38
27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Need I say more? May God bless you.
Yours in Christ,
Libby
April 3, 2017 at 1:43 pm
Hi Ayesha, I realize it can be difficult to “put yourself out there” in situations that are uncomfortable, especially if you’re an introvert or you’ve never had to. I’m also an introvert but my nautural inclination is to help even in uncomfortable situations. I find that what also helps my “natural inclination” is to ask myself what if it was me in the particular situation how would I want others to respond to me. I would want someone to look beyond their fear or reticence and take a chance and help me. If the fear has to do with physical harm there are always ways around it, you could ask others for help and allow the Lord to give you wisdom. Ayesha, I also think that many times we mistake our reticence and fear for a lack of desire. We know in our heads it’s the right thing to do “help”, however, we really don’t feel it, especially if we’re already helping those we’re familar with like family, our church or close friends. So pray and ask the Lord for wisdom and desire if it is..Hope this helps some.
April 3, 2017 at 2:51 pm
Dear Ayesha
All answers are good and I totally understand how difficult it is to sometimes to help ungrateful people but I think that is the whole point of being a ” Servant of God”.
I am naturally inclined to help anyone but I react to ungrateful, mean , selfish people and I have to keep working at it. GSharpe’s quote from Bible sums it up.
I have not reached there but getting there ):