In Matthew 25:34-40, we read, "Then the King will cry to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

Have you ever noticed that at the judgment scene depicted in these verses, our Lord didn't mention doctrine even once? This is not to say that doctrine is unimportant, because the Scriptures teach very clearly, and in multiple places (1 Timothy 1:3 is just one example among many), that it most assuredly is. Yet, the actions that Jesus mentioned here are similarly striking. Of course, the King knew that the righteous individuals in these verses had been faithful to the doctrine; otherwise, He would not have called them righteous. But the primary concern is with how they had treated one another. This is what we want to discuss in this article.

How many times when you've been feeling a little down and depressed, has one or more of your brethren seemingly swooped in from nowhere just to let you know they were thinking about you and wondering if there was anything they could do to help? That has happened to me on more than one occasion, and I feel confident that those who are reading this article, if they've been Christians for any length of time, could relate many stories about those who reached out to brighten their days during times of difficulty and hardship. Sometimes, almost in spite of ourselves, we are encouraged by the love and concern shown by our brethren. That is exactly what God intended. A well-known passage is Galatians 6:10, which says, "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

From time to time, we all mention things that we will never forget, but there is at least one thing I know for a fact will stick with me for the remainder of my life. I was working with a congregation in which a handicapped member was greatly mistreated and wronged. To make a long story short, the house in which she was living was in about as bad a shape as any house I have ever seen that was still standing. In such a situation, anyone would have good cause for becoming discouraged and frustrated. But the brethren in that congregation reacted to such an extent as I had not previously, or since, witnessed.

Christians would leave their jobs at which they worked eight to twelve hours and go directly to this poor sister's home to put in another few hours of very hard work. This went on for several months. Sure, the sister experienced some discouragement, but she was never allowed to drown in it because time and again, her brethren demonstrated their love and care by unflinchingly and without complaint springing into action. "As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

The simple fact of the matter is that Christians are duty-bound and responsible for being there when their brothers and sisters in Christ are in need. But we must get beyond the point where we feel duty-bound to do whatever we can to help our brethren; we need to want to be there for them. I may not always be in a position to help a brother or sister who needs financial assistance, but I can contact them and let them know that I am willing to do all I can to help in whatever way I can. If I am able to sit at home without giving them a second thought, it is time for me to take a long hard look at Matthew 25.

Can I concern myself with only myself when I know that my brother or sister is sitting alone in a hospital room wishing for nothing more than to see a familiar face? If so, it is time I take a long hard look at Matthew 25. Some Christians appear to attempt to excuse themselves by saying, "This is a time when they need to be with family." They are exactly correct. I personally like the way our Lord put it in Matthew 12:48-50. "But He replied to the man who told him, 'Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?' And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, 'Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."

The brother or sister who is in financial trouble needs to know that I care and am there for him/her in whatever way I can be. Those whose lives have taken a turn for the worse need to know that I am willing to help in whatever way I can. The one lying in the hospital bed needs to know that I care and am going to make every effort to visit. If I cannot visit, I can at least send a card or place a call. But above and beyond all of this, Jesus Himself needs to know that I care. If we are going to claim to be Christians, let's be Christians.

Adam has given us some good food for thought. When I study this text, I always think how profound it is that the Lord, of all the examples of things to be examined at the judgment He could have used, chose our duties toward others. Someone has said, "We don't appreciate things until we no longer have them."

Long ago, I determined that I would not overlook those who are shut in and, due to failing health, unable to regularly meet with the saints. How would you like to be in the house, nursing home, or hospital and see nothing but four walls day after day? How much time does it take to visit one of these folks? You can't imagine the difference not forgetting them makes on the attitudes of those who are shut in. A visit can be uplifting without being long. A smile, a warm hug, and a short prayer can make an immeasurable difference in the day-to-day difficulties of one who is constantly alone. May God help us to remember that one day, we may be on the other end of one of these visit. What will you want people to do when you are the one who is alone in the room? Please, don't forget about the less-fortunate; they are depending on us! (KMG)