“For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Matthew 25:35

Nestled up by the fire all warm and toasty, wearing my lama slippers given to me by my youngest son. Oh, how God can be so good!

I was assisting a young man the other day. He was in a rough spot in life. After listening and asking questions to learn more, I responded with, “I understand, I really do.” If said with false comfort they can be empty words, but the words that came from my lips were heartfelt and honest. I truly could relate.

I briefly shared that I had once been homeless living on the streets of Philadelphia. I slept on couches of people I knew, abandoned empty buildings and park benches. I knew what it was like to be with countless others in a homeless shelter during code blue at night or in the soup kitchen for your only meal of the day under Kensington bridge. “You wouldn’t know it by looking at you,” he replied. I responded, “Well, I don’t know if my past has a look, but I do know that we don’t always know where others have walked or even miss the cue of what they may be going through.” He told me that he did not know how he was going to get out of his situation. I responded, “I thought the same thing once. Even today when I have all the necessary things in life, and even seen what God can do, I can still feel that way. The only thing I can say, is Jesus is my way. My faith and hope in the Lord are what I cling to. If I did not have that, I don’t know that I would be in front of you today.” I may never bump into this young man again, but I do know he heard a message of hope that day. God allowed me to be a witness to what Jesus can do in challenging times. And my experience allowed me to offer appropriate resources to help.

I believe our God has given us all the needed provisions to help others and a story to share, one of Jesus Christ. A message of forgiveness, hope and love that can be found nowhere else but in our Savior.

Matthew chapter 25 is a powerful message about what the “church” of believers should be doing. God provided me the high rise building, and other forms of shelter when I needed it. He spoke into the hearts of the volunteers who came to my aid on cold blistery nights. One night a mother with children in the shelter demonstrated sacrificing her bunk for her children, which provided me an opportunity to share mine to her. The act of kindness and serving others can be given even when you think you have nothing to give. Jesus helped me overcome it. Now I have the means to help others and give back what I was freely given. The warm meals served when I was hungry and in a time of need, are now an inspiration to provide to the person who “doesn’t look like they need it,” in the line at the WAWA convenience store. We do not have to limit ourselves to the action of donating a can of beans or serve in a soup kitchen. Which if they do not have the pull tab is useless to homeless people without a can opener. I am just saying. (chuckle) And a drink of water can be a listening ear and friendly conversation with a stranger. A word of advice, conversations with homeless people do not have to focus soley of their “home-less” situation. Take them out for a meal and talk about other interests. You might find out that you have a professor with a PhD sitting in front of you who will blow you away with their knowledge, skills and story. I have had this experience doing mission work in Columbus, Ohio at a shelter. True story!

Read: Matthew 25:31-46

What are you doing to:

-          Go and bear witness by serving others.

-          Demonstrate your faithfulness by performing acts of loving-kindness.

Pray:

God of provision, thank you for the things I sometimes take for granted, like water, leftovers in my refrigerator, mail delivery, access to a bank account, dry shoes, clean undergarments, toothbrush, soap, toilet paper, transportation, and all the things that make me comfortable. Help me with my selfishness to share my means with others. Help me to recognize those in need, not just those I can see, but those that may have an internal need too. Thank you for today, the day I have been given to walk in it. Place your people in my path who need to hear your message of forgiveness, hope and love. May my words praise you for you have given me breath, life, and a promise of eternal life everlasting. Amen!