“I was hungry, and you gave me food.” – Matthew 25:35
Scripture reading: Matthew 25:31-46
When we think of service, our spiritual gifts aren’t the only thing we should consider. One of the great things we must consider in serving God for His glory is the idea of need. We should ask: Where is service needed? Who is it who might need help from me today for God’s glory?
In Matthew 25, Jesus isn’t speaking to people who had the spiritual gift of mercy when He praises them for giving Him food when He was hungry. Imagine that situation – someone comes into church as you are enjoying a potluck, and with a plate full of food you ask, “Does anyone have the spiritual gift of mercy who can help?”
Service isn’t all about our spiritual gifts. Sometimes service is simply based on the need of the moment, and what it means to be Christ-like in that situation. Peter didn’t have money to meet the needs of the beggar at the temple gate in Acts 3, but what he had he gave – and it was by far the better gift!
When it comes to service, it isn’t just about our gifts. It’s also about being led by the compassion of Christ to help where there is need. Are there needs in your church or family that God could use you to fill? Are you willing to step out, humbly in areas where you feel unqualified, to show help in Christ’s name to others?
Suggestions for prayer
Pray that God would help you see and respond to the needs around you.
Pastor Greg Bylsma is the pastor of the Living Water Reformed Church of Brantford, Ontario (a member church of the URCNA). He is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary and was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 2005. After over 20 years in the ministry, he still loves his job and considers it an incredible honour to be able to teach others about the beauty of Jesus Christ. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.