“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.
Whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
-Matthew 25: 35-36 NIV

A Time to Think… “Jesus’s identity as one of the least of these is not a romantic, charitable notion; it is Jesus’s reality. The homeless, the poor, the incarcerated are Jesus’s friends, family, disciples, and followers, and Jesus himself. .”  ―Jessica C. Williams, Center for Action & Contemplation

A Time to Act… Ask yourself “what would it be like to be homeless?” For most of us, we shudder at the thought, but when we do are we also thinking about those who are homeless and need us? Put that thought in your mind this morning and ask God to send you someone you can help. Yes, it can be a scary prayer, but remember those folks were friends of Jesus who himself was homeless…help me to remember that, with Jesus, no one is expendable!

A Time to Pray… O Lord, I admit I cringe away from someone asking for money or help. I try my best not to drive through homeless encampments or crime-infested areas. Yet, if you can love me with all my ups and downs, how can I not love another? Give me strength and wisdom to step out to those in need. I may not know what to do, but with you leading me, I know can do something! In your name I ask it, AMEN.