The Visitor
I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me;
I was in prison and you came to Me.
Matthew 25:36
At a church I was preaching at, I asked a newly retired man what he was doing now that he was no longer working full-time. “I describe myself as a visitor,” the man replied. “I visit people from our church and community who are in the hospital or care homes, living alone, or just needing someone to talk and pray with them. And I enjoy doing it!” I was very impressed by this man’s clear sense of purpose and his care for others.
A few days before the Lord Jesus was crucified, He told His followers a story that emphasized the importance of visiting people in need. “The King will say to those on His right hand, ‘. . . I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me’” (Matt 25:34,36). When asked, “When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?” the King will answer, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (v 39-40).
The ministry of visiting has two beneficiaries—the person visited and the Lord Himself. To go to a person with help, encouragement and with prayer is direct service to our Lord.
Compassion is understanding the troubles of others, coupled with an urgent desire to help.
Is there someone who would be encouraged or helped by your visit today?
Read
Matthew 25:31-40.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to see others with Your eyes. Show me what it means to demonstrate Your love to those around me. Thank You for the love You give to me that I can share. Amen.
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