Dec 23

In giving us a description of how he will judge the world at the end, Jesus focuses in rather great detail on the basis for that judgment. In Matthew 24:31-46, he describes those who believe in him doing good deeds as a result of that belief, and all he has to do to judge their lives is to look at those good deeds. Those deeds themselves do not save them from the coming separation at the final judgment, but they are sufficient evidence for a verdict to be given.

Jesus mentions such things as feeding the hungry, taking care of strangers, and clothing the poor. He says that whenever we have done any of these things to others, we have done it to him (Mt. 25:40).

Likewise, those who did not do any of these things, but lived solely for themselves, will also be judged by the lack of their care for others. Sins of omission are just as serious and consequential as sins of commission. Both cause the sinner to be separated from the Lord at the final judgment -- and that separation is forever.


Scripture for today: Matthew 25:31-46
Thought for today: Those who separated themselves from showing mercy and love to others will themselves be separated from the mercy and love of God.
Prayer for today: Keep me from a hard heart, Lord. May I never live only for myself, but for you and others.

DEC 23