For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “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.’
During my trip to Minnesota a few weeks ago, I was on the bus heading to my son’s place. An older gentleman started talking to Ken and I. He clearly had too much to drink, but yet he had a great idea for a sermon.
He first started talking to us about how he would be 71 next February. He told us that he grew up in Mississippi. He spoke about how when he was a kid…he never thought that he could strike up a conversation on a bus with a white man. He mentioned how he thought blacks talked to blacks and whites talked to whites. He made it clear more work needed to be done. He was happy that now he could talk to a man or woman of any color.
He then went on to tell us about his love for the Lord. He made it clear that he knew he had drank to much, but he ultimately knew that God was the only foundation in his life that would stay strong through all circumstances. He explained it this way.
He mentioned that Ken and I clearly were in a relationship. He asked what we needed to keep this relationship strong. He said that a relationship needed friendship and friendship needed fellowship and the beginning of all of our relationships should be foundationship.
Ken and I both felt so blessed as we left the bus. Just a few moments before this man started talking to us…he was swearing and starting to get riled up. The bus driver gently reminded him to watch what he was saying. Then he started talking to us. I truly felt like the man sensed we were believers and this is how he was trying to channel his behavior into a more acceptable one. Matthew 25:35-40 talks about how Christ teaches that when you show kindness and compassion to a stranger that you have given God…honor. It says that whatever you do for the least of us you show Christ’s love. I totally see this happening. Ken and I always try to show compassion to those around us, even if they come across as prickly, unkept or whatever their circumstances. That day Ken and I were blessed right back by this gentleman. He reminded us of the fragile nature of relationships and how we can strengthen these bonds through our relationship with Christ. I am going to take the next few blogs and talk further about these “ships”.
It is my prayer that you continue to make an effort to show kindness to those around you. Even when you feel uncomfortable or fearful, remember that God is honored through your actions. Be prepared to be blessed beyond measure!