Matthew 25:40 “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!”

Since God loves everyone he has created, any time that we show love, compassion or pity by our actions for a fellow human being, we are showing love for one of God’s loved ones, and he counts that as showing love to Him!  We are told to do everything as unto the Lord (Col 3:23) because that is how the Lord sees it. If we show love and compassion only to our loved ones, what kind of offering is that? Unbelievers do that! It is when you step beyond yourself, outside your comfort zone and, like the Samaritan, do those things which are not expected, that you have something worthy to offer the Lord. Showing kindness to those who are in no position to benefit you, or repay your kindness, is the ultimate act of selflessness. It teaches another important Christian virtue...humility. We must never look down on anyone, or consider ourselves better than someone else. If God loves us all equally, who are we to ‘undervalue’ someone else? If God is willing to accept your acts of compassion and kindness as being for Him, be aware he will also hold your acts of neglect and indifference as being towards Him as well.

Pray: “Heavenly Father, help me to be mindful that all that I do I do for you. I would never hesitate if I saw you in need to do my utmost, and yet when I see others in need, my perception is not the same. I need to see their value as being equal to my own in your eyes and treat them as such. I should do for them as I would do for you. Change my perception, Lord, and grow in me a compassionate heart for those in need. By Jesus’ example and in his holy name I pray – Amen.