Inasmuch as you did it for them . . .

If you did it for them, you did it for Me.

How are you feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, or helping the helpless? How are you helping widows and orphans, tending the sick, freeing the captives? How are you preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ? How do you measure up to Jesus comment, “Inasmuch as you did it for the least of these, you did it for Me.” St Francis of Assisi once said, “Preach the gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words.”

Jesus also said to love our neighbour as ourselves. It is a simple command but one that has flummoxed good, well meaning people for centuries. How can we love our neighbour as ourselves if we don’t do some of these things? If there is fear at the very thought of speaking the Name of Jesus to others – join the club. But if you have never thought it was your job to do so, or if you have always thought it is not your job but your pastor’s or someone else’s, then maybe you should revisit your salvation?

Strong words? Not really. After all the Bible speaks of the joy of your salvation. It speaks of a complete change of attitudes and life-style. If these are things that have happened to you then why would you not want to share this wonderful news with others? It doesn’t mean you have to buttonhole everyone you meet with your news but it does mean unashamedly sharing that news if and when the opportunity arises. Are you perhaps a bit shame-faced when confronted by questions of faith? All right, let’s call it a bit shy when asked about Jesus? Are you? There is no shame in that. It is natural for many people to be shy about public speaking even to an audience of one!

Is this what puts you off helping out at a church event for the homeless or the less fortunate. Our church has an outreach to feed such folk as these every Monday evening. They come along for a meal and some company – some call it fellowship. The meal may be followed by a game of dominoes, or a chinwag about football, maybe even a short Bible study. The wonderful folk who come take it all in their stride. There is a lot of relaxing and chattering over coffee or tea. It is made a fun evening by the guests. “Inasmuch . . . . . “

The local help agencies even refer people to us now. Many guests are regulars and some come just the once and disappear again. We can help them with advice or blankets or help with the government forms – almost anything but money as many who come have a wee problem with drink or drugs and cash is the last thing to give them. We will give them food or a train ticket or put electricity on their meter, even accompany them to the government authorities to help them get started – but never money. “Inasmuch . . . . . “

We don’t see that much return for our investment but we do see lives being straightened out and changed for the better, even if they don’t actually receive Jesus. Could you ‘share the Gospel’ this way?

It really is time for us to start being the church rather than just talking about it amongst ourselves. Good intentions achieve nothing. There is a saying that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Jesus didn’t ask us to form a committee to discuss the problem. He didn’t call upon us to appoint people to solve the problems. He called each and every one of us to reach out and solve the problem for one at a time – to love our neighbour as ourselves. Who is your neighbour? Anyone with a need that you can resolve. You don’t have to get into debt on someone else’s behalf, just help as you are able to do so. That really is all there is to it.

“Inasmuch . . . . . “

Jesus sees everything you do. He notices. He takes a note. He knows who does and who doesn’t – who talks and who walks.