I read Matthew 25:37-40 (NASV) in the Bible this week.   In this portion of scripture, Jesus is teaching a lesson to His disciples.  He says,“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?  And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?  When did we see You sick or in prison, and come to You?’  The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.‘”

I pondered this statement for a time before my day got too busy.   In the past I thought “one of these brothers” meant someone outside my home, maybe a stranger.  As I tried to apply this lesson to my life, I questioned, “I don’t happen on the hungry or thirsty or those needing clothes.  I don’t generally spend time with the sick or those in prison. How can I put this scripture lesson into practice in my life?”

Jesus said in the verses, “The King said, ‘To the extent that you did it to ONE of these brothers of mine.'”

“One of these brothers” of His could be a wife’s husband, couldn’t it? The answer came in questions as follows:

• Does not my husband come in hungry?  In this cold winter, does he not need foods to give him the energy he needs to work outdoors?
• Often he comes in thirsty, do I have the liquids ready to quench his thirst?
• Is he a stranger in my home?  Do I make him feel that he is welcome and interesting or am I involved in my interests, ignoring his presence?
• He needs work clothes daily. Do his jeans and shirts need mending or patches?  Am I focusing on those needs?
• If he gets sick, I will care for him.  But am I doing all I can to prevent him from becoming ill?
• I hope he does not feel uncomfortable and likes to be here in his home.  Does he sense that I respect him as the head of our home? 
• Does he know he has my help and support?  Am I following his lead?

I am sure Jesus, does want us to meet the needs of those outside of our homes.  But let us also look for ways to serve the Lord right here at home.

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