Reading Richard Stearns, the President of World Vision‘s book The Hole in our Gospel. Challenging story concerning God’s desire for us to engage the least. Talking about Matthew 25‘s call to tangible acts of obedience by Christ followers, Stearns gives this interesting paraphrase of verses 35-36.

“For I was hungry, while you had all you needed. I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water. I was a stranger, and you wanted me deported. I needed clothes, but you needed more clothes. I was sick, and you pointed out the behaviors that led to my sickness. I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved.” Matthew 25:35-36 paraphrased by Richard Stearns.

How do you see the needs of others? Matthew 25:31-40 points us to the conclusion that “the righteous” are defined by Christ as those who acted in tangible ways on behalf of those in need. Not SO THAT righteousness can be gained (Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5), but as evidence of His righteousness within (2 Corinthians 5:21). There are miriad opportunities that God will lead us to to give our food, drink, homes, clothes, concern, and love to others. Will we obey?