Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Peter Marshall
A Drink of Water
Think a drink of water is nothing? Not so according to Jesus Christ, Who said, “Whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). This means God doesn’t forget. If even a cup of cold water helps someone, imagine what rewards await those in the kingdom who even pray for their enemies, do good to those who despitefully use them, and love those who hate them.
A Thank You
Sometimes a simple “thank you” means a lot, either by way of a card or a verbal expression of thanks. Either way, this free gift is precious to some. How many times have you heard the words “thank you” today? How often have you said them? How did you feel when someone said them to you for holding open the elevator door? A small “thank you” can go a long way.
A Hug
Words can’t describe what a good hug from a friend feels like. Who doesn’t need a hug once in a while? Hugs are one of those things that we have an unlimited supply of, yet we’re hesitant to use them. What are we saving them for? They’re meant to be given away.
Not Retaliating
When Jesus was reviled, He had every right to speak up but didn’t. He left vengeance to God. The Apostle Peter wrote, “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). If Jesus trusted the Father with this, can we not trust Him to avenge every wrong? We should.
The Least of These
Jesus was always ministering to “the least of these,” or those for whom most of society had disdain. They were often the fringe of society that sought Jesus out. They had nothing left. So in all humility, they came to Him as the least of these. And Jesus turned none away. When we minister to the poor, the hungry, the imprisoned, and the sick and welcome the stranger (Matthew 25:34-39), Jesus says, “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40)
Conclusion
Something as small as offering a drink of water will not be lost on the day believers receive their rewards. Even a hug, a thank you, not retaliating, and having regard for those whom society has the least regard for can make all the difference in their world. In many cases, these different ministries mentioned by Jesus (Matthew 25:34-39) are what the early church did. And they are what we’re doing, even if only in small ways, because small ways can make a big difference.
