Scripture Reference: Matthew 25:35-36
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
Reflection
There are so many acts of kindness we can perform if we sit on the right side of God. Jesus used sheep and goats to distinguish between believers and non-believers. The believers are on the right, and the non-believers are on the left. It shows us that believers can easily show acts of mercy. The believers do not depend on ability or wealth; they perform acts of kindness that are freely given. We have no reason to avoid helping those less fortunate. These acts of kindness belong to all sheep, and Jesus wants us to help each other. It also plants a seed in the heart of those we help, and hopefully, that seed grows. Once it sprouts, God takes over. Most importantly, the things the sheep did for Jesus are what the Mission brings to their guests.
Heart for the Homeless
Many of us, at times, are in darkness, and for all of us, if we believe, then we can enter the light. It’s not possible to be in the light all the time, but we can take measures through our actions to show those experiencing homelessness the light. A few words of encouragement, a friendly smile, actively listening, showing that you care, and sometimes, just by looking directly into their eyes, they can see Jesus in your eyes. In return, you will see Jesus in their eyes.
We see people on a daily basis who are down on their luck. Things just do not seem to go their way. Volunteering on a regular basis shows that you care and lets those you communicate with feel that they are cared for. The verse above shows us that we, as volunteer servants, care about all and hope that each finds the Holy Spirit in their hearts and that He can change their lives. Nice, thoughtful deeds that seem small and not really much to us can certainly make a change in people’s lives.
Author: Phil Morse
My first experience with homelessness was back in 2019 while residing in Maine. I was at work having a conversation with some employees and found out that one person working there was living in their car. I was shocked and hurt that someone had to live like that, so I invited him to stay at our house. I never thought it was a Godly thing to do. I thought it was the right thing to do. I was not a religious person and never gave a thought about God. I always thought there was something, but I could never place my finger on it. When I retired and moved to Anderson in 2020, I found Jesus and was baptized in 2023. I always had God/Holy Spirit in my heart but never put the two together. Now, I enjoy going to HOPE Missions four days a week; I like to cook for them. I think everyone should get at least one hot meal a day, so when money permits, my wife and I will put together something. I am glad I am able to contribute through volunteering to the Mission, and I pray that I can keep it up for months to come. God is in all our hearts. We just need to accept him and know of His presence.
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