In Romans 6:23 we are told that the wages of sin is death. Sin causes pain to ourselves and to others. When I received Jesus Christ into my life I became more appreciative of His love and grace towards me. As a consequence I find that my desire to live according to God’s ways increases more and more. I would never want to reject Him and it grieves me when I fail to submit to Him. There is even aguish in my heart if I know that I am out of sorts with someone else or that I have disappointed someone.
That being said, in reading through Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus talks about those who ministered to the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, those needing clothes, the prisoner and the sick. In ministering to these needy people Jesus was also being ministered to. In the same context Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”(Vs. 45; NLT) What a challenging thought this presents. My refusal to help someone in need, is a refusal of my Lord Jesus!
Of course in a legalistic way, with this revelation about the importance of helping others, I could force myself to be benevolent, however we are exhorted “so let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”(2 Cor. 9:7) What we do in service to others needs to be done willingly and freely. In relationships no true fulfillment will come when ministering out of obligation.
We avoid rejecting our Lord when we are willing to minister to those around us. Lord Jesus help my love for You to be real so I will willingly minister to others and therefore to You.
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