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, 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.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“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.’ Matthew 25:35-40
I believe that the words of these verses are quite literal. We are to feed the hungry, be hospitable, and give generously to those in need. We are to care for the sick, and those in prison. I believe these things are one hundred percent true. But, I also believe that there are spiritual connotations to these scriptures that apply to motherhood that we should take note of.
Our children are hungry for their daily bread. On a spiritual level, daily bread equates to the Word of God. We are to feed our children God’s Word, because their souls are hungry for it. They need this nourishment for their minds and hearts to properly grow.
Our children are thirsty for the Living Water. Jesus is the Living Water. How can we be Jesus to our children by demonstrating God’s love? Through turning the other cheek when insulted (Matthew 5:38-40), by choosing to not argue or complain (Yes, not complaining is Biblical! See Philippians 2:14), through forgiveness (Luke 6:37), and by being on the lookout for those in need in our everyday lives. Lend someone the extra few dollars they request. Bring that family in crisis a meal. Love like Jesus, and be on the lookout for ways you can bless others. Our children are thirsty! Let them see Jesus in you.
Jesus was a stranger when he was invited into the hearts and lives of his disciples. They left everything and immediately followed him. Give other moms a chance. Even if you already have lots of friends and feel like your schedule has reached maximum capacity, reach out to other mamas and be a friend. You will never regret it.
Our children desire to be clothed in God’s righteousness. We must adequately equip and prepare our children with the full armor of God, the wardrobe of the Fruits of the Spirit, and the attire of love. Love is patient. Love is kind (1 Corinthians 13:4). Are you demonstrating these simple truths in your own life?
The heart is sick beyond cure (Jeremiah 17:9). At times, our children will fall prey to Satan’s traps. When they do, we have a choice to make. Will we condemn them and leave them for the wolves, or will we humbly uplift them and share our own testimonies of God’s grace? You have a choice to make. Choose to be the hands and feet of Jesus by sharing your own scars, and resurrection story.
The resurrected King has resurrected us from sin and darkness. We are no better than “the least of these.” We might be in a better situation or season of life, but we are all God’s children, dearly loved. Because of Jesus’ presence in our own lives, we have been called and are equipped to be a light to our children and those in need. We are to bless others with the same measure of goodness and undeserved love that God has so generously gifted us.
You were created for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). Your example of working out God’s Truth in your own life is a testimony to your children. You validate the name of Jesus and God’s Word, to your children, when they see you living by the Word. Live well.
Lead your children to Jesus by being a light and source of strength to “the least of these,” your children, and a hurting world in need of a Savior. His name is Jesus. Represent him for your children and the world to see. Serve people like you would serve Jesus. Bless others with the blessings he has so gracefully given you. You are called and equipped for his Kingdom work, in your home and everywhere you go. Lead through acts of love, kindness, and generosity. Work diligently in serving others as if you were serving the Lord.
Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:1-2 (ESV)
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