We’ve all heard the common phrase, “Hindsight is 20/20.” That ability to look back with clarity on a situation is priceless. We often recall the past day or week and say, “I wish I would have done this,” or “I wish I would have done that.” Hindsight is well, hindsight. It’s over with, it’s done. How much better to be present, or plan for the future and act correctly? Here’s our chance for “20/20 Foresight!” In these verses, Jesus tells us exactly what to do.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Matthew 25:34-46
Hospitality . . . are you hospitable?
We are all capable of simple acts of kindness. We just need to have a ready and willing heart. God’s expectation is clear in these verses from Matthew and is repeated throughout Scripture. Romans 12:13 states, “Practice hospitality” and Jesus clarifies that we should be hospitable to all—friend, foe, stranger, healthy, sick, imprisoned, and more. It makes no difference in God’s sight, we are his children therefore we should be hospitable. In fact, hospitality is a fruit of our faith and a wonderful way for us to show God’s love.
Hospitality . . . are you not hospitable?
Admittedly being hospitable takes time, may cost money, and can interrupt plans. But are these any reasons not to be hospitable? Jesus simply says, “Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” No exceptions. When we fail to do what God commands, we are committing a sin of omission. James 4: 17 says, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” God wants us to obey his law. If we have an opportunity to obey, and don’t do it, we have committed a sin of omission. Therefore, let’s be prepared to obey!
Hospitality . . . what does it look like?
Hospitality is always in season, but perhaps as this time of year rolls around there is even more opportunity, or we simply become more keenly aware of others’ needs. Ultimately, your hospitality is an overflow of your faith and a willingness to share God’s love and good news with others. So, what does hospitality look like? That’s up to you and the unique situation God has blessed you with, however, here are a few thoughts to get you started.
- Bake a pie or a plate of cookies to share with family, friends, or others in your community.
- Invite people from your neighborhood to church.
- Serve at a homeless shelter or food pantry.
- Hold the door for someone going in or out.
- Cut lawn/shovel snow for a neighbor or shut-in.
- Smile.
- Host a Bible study or hymn sing.
- Invite fellow church members to share the holidays with you, especially if they may be alone this season.
We can serve others with hospitality in so many ways with actions that are small, medium, or large. Let God guide your hospitable acts as expressions of faith.
Hospitality . . . is it worth it?
Hospitality is a blessing for all involved, the receiver and the giver. When you are hospitable, your faith is evident, your relationships are strengthened, and your light shines. Even as you serve others, you will find joy and encouragement to continue acts of kindness. A busier season of the year will soon be upon us. Take time now to use the “20/20 Foresight” you are given in this section of Matthew—make your hospitality plan for this season and the year ahead. How grand it will be to hear Jesus direct these words to you one day, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
