Serving Down the Street

Read: Matthew 25:31-40; Philippians 2:3-8

“Mom!” Jade called as she ran into the kitchen.

“What’s up?” Jade’s mom asked from where she stood kneading bread dough.

“I just saw an ad about kids who don’t have enough food to eat or clothes to wear, and I want to help, Mom!” Jade explained in a rush.

Mom dusted flour off her hands. “Jade, I’m so glad you want to help and serve others. Why don’t we start with Mr. Barton?” Mom turned to the cabinet and pulled down two cans. “I have this chicken noodle soup that we can drop off to him since he’s sick.”

Jade frowned. “But he lives just down the street. I want to help people in a poor country in another part of the world.”

“He’s an older man who lives alone,” said Mom. “It’s hard for him to afford groceries or cook, and he can’t drive anymore. We can show kindness to Mr. Barton by helping him out.”

“He’s just one person, Mom! I want to help lots and lots of people!” Jade exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air.

Mom removed her apron. “Jade, remember when you trusted Jesus as your Savior last year?” Jade nodded. “Of course I remember.”

“Well,” Mom continued, “when you trusted Jesus to forgive your sins, the Holy Spirit came to live in your heart. He gives you the desire and ability to love and help others so they can know Jesus loves them too.”

“Then isn’t it good that I want to help lots of people?” Jade asked.

“Of course!” Mom smiled. “Jesus doesn’t want us to forget about people in faraway places. But He wants us to look for opportunities to bless people who are nearby too.”

“So serving one person is just as important as helping out lots of people?”

Mom nodded. “Jesus said that whenever we serve even one person, we are actually serving Jesus Himself.”

“Wow!” Jade’s eyes grew big. “Let’s take Mr. Barton the soup right now. I’ll grab a jug of orange juice from the fridge too. Come on, Mom! We have important helping to do!”

–Allison Wilson Lee

How about you? Has God given you a desire to help people around the world who are struggling? What about people in your hometown or church? Or just one person down the street? When we help others, we show them Christ’s love. You don’t need lots of money or have to go someplace far away to live out His love. Helping a neighbor, friend, sibling, or whoever God places in your life is a wonderful chance to serve Jesus by serving others.

Today's Key Verse: The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: Serve others near and far