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“Unto One of the Least of These”, November 14
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my
brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Matthew 25:40
.
Christ makes the necessities of His children His own personal interest.
He regards any slight or neglect of His brethren as a slight to Himself, and
a benefit conferred upon the humblest of them as if it were conferred upon
Himself. He says, “I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty,
and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.... Inasmuch as
ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it
unto me” (
verses 35-40
).
He whom Providence has blest with plenty but who padlocks the door
of his heart to keep back all generous impulses that would find expression
in deeds of charity and kindness, will hear from the lips of the Master
the solemn words, “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these,
ye did it not to me” (
verse 45
). Love of Christ cannot exist in the heart
without a corresponding love for our fellow men....
The physical and the spiritual health suffer from inaction. The idler in
the vineyard, he who lives for self alone, is ever dissatisfied with himself
and with others; the gloom and chill of discontent are mirrored upon his
countenance. But he who is drawn out of and away from self, who, like
his Master, identifies himself with suffering humanity, will be softened
and refined by the exercise of sympathy for others. Courtesy, patience,
and gentleness will characterize such a one and will make his presence a
continual joy and blessing. His countenance will shine with the luster of
true benevolence.
Those who labor hardest to secure their own happiness are miserable.
Those who forget self in their interest for others have reflected back upon
their own hearts the light and blessings they dispense to them.... All that
we have is given us on trust. Yet when He rewards us with His approval
it is as though the merit were our own: “Well done, good and faithful
servant.” It is not the greatness of the work which we do, but the love and
fidelity with which we do it, that wins the approval of the Saviour.
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