ARE YOU A SHEEP OR A GOAT?
- Key Verse
- "The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'" (Matthew 25:40)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Jesus is quite clear about the way He wants us to love one another. There appears to be a judgment of sheep and goats—those who have professed faith and have fleshed it out, and those who have talked the talk, but have not walked the walk.
Reflections
How many times have you taken a meal to one of your close friends in a time of need? Given a gift to a family member? Complimented or encouraged a dear friend? Filled in for someone serving in your church or school? Had good friends over for dinner? Or simply acted out of kindness to serve and care for someone you know and love?
In how many of these scenarios is it likely that what you did for someone else will be reciprocated?
When was the last time you stopped to talk to or encourage someone who is alone that you did not know well? Had a chat that was meaningful and uplifting with the checkout person at the grocery store or your waiter/waitress at a restaurant? Or even better—the person asking for money on the street? Fed the homeless? Took in the homeless? Ministered to the widow and the orphan? Or simply served and gave to people you may never see again?
How much of your time, treasures, and talents go toward those who cannot return the favor?
I recently read The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision. Stearns paraphrases some of the verses that we are reading today:
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. (RESV – Richard E. Stearns Version)
How often do we take care of ourselves and those we love while giving little time or attention to strangers, our enemies, the needy, and the poor?
Jesus says, what you do to the least of these, you do to Me.
How am I doing at this?
How can I love and serve with a more pure heart?
How can I better use my time, treasures, and talents?
How about you?
Discussion Questions
1. As you read the following verses, ask yourself the questions found in the Traveler’s Log above. And then ask yourself, does the way you love others testify that you are a sheep or a goat?
- Luke 6:27-38
- James 1:27
- 1 John 4:20
- Luke 12:48
- James 1:22
- Colossians 3:23-24
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. God is pleased when we help others in need. Who do you know that is in need?
2. How can you help them this week?
brandy kilpatrick-patterson
April 6, 2010 10:14 AM
This devo makes me wanna 'go down swinging'. Printing this one out...time for family discussion night.
Lucina Thompson
April 7, 2010 07:18 AM
What conviction this morning! Your questions regarding the motive behind what I do with my time, talent and treasure caused me to do some soul searching. I know what I want the answer to be, what it should be...but I struggle with not always having a pure heart. May it be so more and more as I see the day of His return drawing near. Thanks Susan!
Jan Hankinson
April 7, 2010 08:49 AM
Oh Susan! Way to stab me in the heart! What a great devotion this morning! I have so far to go. I pray that I will get out of the way and allow the Lord to love people through me with a pure heart. I know there is a line we can cross of doing good for others as non- believers can do, and doing good out of a response to our love and devotion to the Lord. Thanks for the reminder!!
Stan
April 7, 2010 08:58 AM
I enjoyed the revised Scriptures section...deported! Loving the unlovable requires radical change and that can only happen when you have a right relationship with the Lord. Humbleness. Right action even when you don't feel like it leads to right thinking. God Bless!
Chandra
April 7, 2010 09:11 AM
Susan, Such great quesitons to think over and pray about today...everyday! Thank you, dear friend, for asking questions such as these that challenge my heart. Much love!
Valerie Davis
April 7, 2010 09:27 AM
Thanks for also sharing Richard Stearns' version/application. That helps to put it in today's terms, helps me see where I can do better & where I can pray for God to change my heart - to have a heart to love all others well. Thanks for the encouragement Susan!
Sue Bohlin
April 7, 2010 09:55 AM
Whoa. . . way to step on our toes in a powerfully biblical way, Susan! Loved your practical applications, especially with the Stearns quote! Thanks for letting Ray and me use your headlamps in Burundi, which completely changed the filter through which I see so many things now. Like water, and food, and clothes. Bless you!
jo tiller
April 7, 2010 12:55 PM
good morning susan...your devotional today "sky dived " right into my heart! what powerful and clever wisdom shared...thank you
page young
April 7, 2010 07:28 PM
I know that you give to those you love and you and Scott have taught both of us to give outside of that small circle. You shine God's light wherever you go and it warms those around you.... Miss you friend... pager
Cynthia Culver
April 7, 2010 08:44 PM
GREAT reminder for me that what we do or don't do for the least we do to Jesus! UGH!!! THanks for stepping on my toes too. And what kind of moisturizer are you using?