From the Book, Rules For Life: According To Jesus

20. Care For Those In Distress 

“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“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!’

Matthew 25:31-40

I included the part about the Great Judgment because I wanted to show how this has everlasting consequences.  In section 17 we saw how we can store up treasures in heaven. Well, we just read what it looks like. A simple little thing like giving water, food, shelter, or spare clothing to someone in need can mean a lot to our Lord (not to mention the recipient here on Earth). Each little act of kindness is like a treasure added to our account. 

And so when Jesus says to “Store your treasures in heaven”, He means to do these kinds of things a lot in this life. And as I alluded to in section 17, if we live this way as a society we will have the most blessed society on Earth. 

But of course, this is about more than what happens on Earth; it has eternal consequences. 

When we tell others that we believe in Jesus, we should back up our assertion with action. Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? (James 2)

The number of ways to bless someone are infinite. Beyond material things, we can bless others with words of kindness or encouragement, we can bless with improving their situation with other people—like with a word of positivity about someone’s character to another.  But along with words, we must show action. 

In the years to come, this will become more important than ever. Before long, just being a Disciple of Christ will be enough to lose your job, your freedom, your house, your family, or your spouse! That is when this command becomes essential in the lives of all believers everywhere. It is best that we begin practicing now, so that we will be good at it when the time comes. Caring for each other is the primary characteristic that we are to model for each other and the world. And this command tells us how to do it. This is what love looks like. 

Previous – Guard what is Sacred | Next – Do Not Swear Oaths

Sections in this study:
Introduction
1: Repent
2: Be Born Again
3: Place God First
4: Love and Serve One Another
5: Live By Faith
6: Forgive Others
7: Remain in Jesus
8: Live Righteously Before Men
9: Avoid Bad Influences
10: Stay On The Narrow Path
11: Do Not Return Evil With Evil
12: Give More Than Is Demanded
13: Love Your Enemies
14: Check Your Motives
15: Pray Simply
16: Do Not Worry
17: Store Up Treasures In Heaven
18: Do Not Be Judgmental
19: Guard what is Sacred
20: Care For Those In Distress
21: Do Not Swear Oaths
22: Watch out for false prophets
23: Exercise Spiritual Power
24: Have Childlike Faith
25: Do Not Exalt Yourself
26: Settle Disputes Quickly
27: Settle Disputes Between Believers
28: Do not Oppose Brethren
29: Remember Me
30: Be Merciful
31: Make Disciples
32: Be Ready
33: Obey Jesus’ Commands
Closing Comments