December 12 – You Were Doing It to Me
Scripture
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Matthew 25:34–40 (NLT)
Jesus shares this scene with His disciples as He teaches them about the Kingdom and what it will be like when it comes in its fullness. He tells them about a future moment when the Son of Man returns and separates people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. What distinguishes the two groups is not outward appearance, religious knowledge, or impressive spirituality, but the presence or absence of love. Real, tangible, practical love.
Jesus is not saying that we earn our way into God’s Kingdom by doing good deeds. Instead, He is showing us that those who truly belong to Him will naturally reflect His heart. The life of the Kingdom produces a certain kind of fruit, and that fruit often looks like compassion for the hurting, care for the overlooked, and generosity toward the poor and marginalized.
It is love expressed in everyday actions, especially toward those who cannot offer anything in return.
The timing of this passage is especially fitting for us. The Christmas season is a season of giving, but followers of Jesus are not called to seasonal compassion. We are called to a lifestyle of generosity, hospitality, and mercy. Jesus loved the least of these, and He invites us to walk in that same love every day, not just when the calendar turns to December.
And here is the part that should move our hearts. When we care for the hungry, the thirsty, the lonely, the sick, or the imprisoned, Jesus says we are doing it to Him. Not just for Him. To Him. The way we love the least is the way we love Christ. Every act of kindness is received as an act of worship, an expression of our love for Him.
So let this season remind you of what should be true all year long. Look for those who need encouragement, care, or a simple act of kindness. Love them well, because in doing so, you are loving Jesus Himself.
Reflection
1. Who around you is in need of compassion or support, and how might you show Christ’s love to them this week?
2. How has Jesus cared for you in your times of weakness, and how can that shape the way you care for others?
3. What step can you take this season to love someone you might normally overlook?
Prayer
Ask the Lord to fill your heart with His compassion and to open your eyes to those who need His love today. Pray for the courage and generosity to serve the least of these as if you were serving Christ Himself.