S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
A-God's Grace
L-In All Things
"Surely you remember that I was sick when I first brought you the Good News of Christ. But even though my sickness was revolting to you, you did not reject me and turn me away. No, you took me in and cared for me as though I were an angel from God or even Christ Jesus Himself." Galatians 4:13-14
Paul makes two important points in this passage, that I believe we need to pay attention to and apply to our lives today.
1. No matter the condition we are in health wise, we should always do what we can to share the good News with others. This is what Paul did all throughout his ministry.
-How do we do this? By example, with our attitude and speech even in the midst of suffering. And by depending on The Lord to give us the strength and energy we need daily.
2. As Followers of Christ, we need to serve those who are sick, homeless, widowed, lost, imprisoned, and broken. Just as Christ tells us to.
-"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. I was naked, and you have me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. 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? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' And the King will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" Matthew 25:35-40
It seems anymore that we focus on "me" and our own busyness that we fail to remember those around us who are in need. We often pass the homeless man or woman on the side of the road and even grumble about them. Yet what if they, out of the rare few, really are in need?
I do understand they are ALL in need, but I also believe with the right help and motivation, many of them could and do desire to be helped, employed and have a roof over their heads.
How about the widowed lady who sits next to you, or works next to you, or lives next to you. How often to you visit her?
What about the sick, this is tough, because many of us shudder at the thought of hospitals. But brethren their are also a lot who are at home and sick that could use encouragement, a smiling face, a visit, even some soup.
As The Lord impressed these things upon my heart, He took it even further and asked, "What about those who are in places of poverty, who have HIV, or any other diseases that frighten us." What about them?
You see when we see serve the least of these, we are serving Christ. This is what the Galatian Churches did for Paul.
This is how the Body of Christ should be.
I wonder today, how many Churches are reaching out and taking in those in need? How many Churches today are stepping outside of their comfort zones and into the places where their dependence is fully in God?
I wonder today, how many of us really understand, it begins within each of us individually. We all have to do our part.
Do you know of someone who is always serving others, always helping those in need? Do you notice they never are really asked? They are able, through the Holy Spirit to see the need and then they act?
Let's become those people.
S-Share your blessings with someone less fortunate than you.
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