Matt. 25:40 lays the guideline: "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'" Jesus was talking about people seeing others in need. Some were hungry, some thirsty, some strangers, some in need of clothing, others were sick or in prison but all had one thing in common - they were in need. The Lord tells us that when we see people in need we are seeing Him and what we do or don't do to them - we are really doing it for Him or neglecting Him. Let Jesus be your focus as you serve others.

Refusing to help those we think won't be thankful or appreciate it. Luke 6:35 has the cure - "...do good and lend hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil."

Thinking that people's sin has somehow caused the need they are experiencing and therefore they deserve it. John 9:2-3 "..Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "...Neither this man nor his parents...", was the Lord's reply.

Worrying about our own security and future. Matt. 6:31-32 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things."

Most importantly remember: 2 Cor. 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."

LifeLight Ministries