Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. — Matthew 25:40

 A leper was reportedly begging for money by the side of the road one day when Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) was riding his horse. He got off his horse, gave him a penny, and gave him a cheek kiss. Francis turned around as he rode away and for a brief second believed that he saw Christ Himself standing where the beggar had been. 

This anecdote serves to show a wonderful biblical truth: By helping someone in need, we serve the Lord. The kindness provided to the hungry, the thirsty, the homeless, the sickly, the poor, and the imprisoned will be judged as having been done directly to Him, Jesus stated in Matthew 25:40 and Matthew 25:45. 

Serving the oppressed in His name is the same as serving Him because He identifies so strongly with them.

By assuming that ministers and missionaries are the only ones who can effectively serve Christ, we frequently limit our own service to him. But even though we cannot see Him, Jesus is always present anytime we provide assistance in the name of Jesus via acts of kindness. And one day, when we are before Him, He will remember the kind acts we have done in His name and congratulate us.

Let's continue to honour Him by helping others.

When we help those in need, we serve Christ. God's work goes beyond merely preaching; whatever we do, remember this principle:

Christ declares, "You have done it for Me!" in reference to actions carried out for His honour.  

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