Ministering to those in the household of faith

Sometimes we lose sight of what we are supposed to be doing as Christians. Many of us have been Christians for a long time and we understand the basic commands to pray, love your neighbor, share the gospel, minister to others, etc.. But for whatever reason we lose sight of these things, maybe we get burned out, or tired. You fill in the blank. But when we stop caring for others, and ministering to others, our hearts become "spiritually dull" meaning that we become lazy, and dimwitted. (stupid!) Hebrews 5:11 NLT When someone needs help we don't notice, when someone is hurting we don't respond, when someone needs prayer we don't know it, our ears and eyes are not tuned into the spiritual things of God. It's like this;

What good is it dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"- but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? James 2:14-16, NLT

When we care, and deeply love other believers, we show our love for God. We are ministering to Him. God wants us "to keep on loving others." (Heb. 6:11, NLT) Jesus said;

35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[f] you were doing it to me!’
41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.[g] 42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’
44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’
45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ Matthew 25:34-45, NLT

Friends this is an exhortation to endure, remain committed, abide in Him, and especially love those in the household of faith and we will be rewarded in due season.

"And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:42


Application;

1. Pray and ask God who you can serve.

Mother Teresa said this; “Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.”