Matthew 10:42

“and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” vs. 42

Often when we take Jesus’ call to reach out to the helpless and the harassed seriously by offering them shelter, clothing, water, or food, we discover that they want to help us too. They will offer hospitality in whatever way that they can, and they’ll do it in surprisingly generous ways. Sometimes we’ll feel ourselves being almost embarrassed and we’ll attempt to discourage them. “No, no,” we’ll say, “we’re here to help you. You don’t have to give us a thing!”

Of course such a response is not only condescending, it also robs the person being helped of a chance to receive an even greater blessing! We leave feeling good about what we’ve done but they’re left feeling even more like a welfare case.

But when we receive what they offer, even if it’s only a cup of cold water, we restore a bit of their dignity, and when we praise their generosity, it’s even better. The more we can lift up the little ones we’re called to serve, the “least of these” is what Jesus called them, the richer the connection that is made. Barriers are broken down, brokenness is healed, and relationships are born. And this is what kingdom living is all about!

Thought for the Day: What gifts have I received from those I’ve served?