Living in Service

Daily Devotional: “Compassion in Action”

Scripture: “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.” — Matthew 25:35 (NRSV)

In the heart of the gospel lies a clear call to serve: to care for the hungry, the sick, the poor, and the stranger. This is not a suggestion but a way of life for those who follow Christ. Jesus' ministry was one of presence, healing, and hospitality. He did not turn away the Samaritan, the tax collector, the widow, or the foreigner. Instead, Jesus reached beyond societal and religious boundaries, extending love and compassion to the marginalized — including immigrants and displaced persons.

Jesus understood what it meant to be an outsider. His early years were marked by displacement, as his family fled to Egypt seeking refuge from King Herod’s decree. This sacred narrative reminds us that the immigrant, the refugee, and the stranger are not merely people to pity, but individuals whom Christ identifies with — and so should we.

Outreach and mission work reflect the very heart of God. Through these ministries, we become the hands and feet of the Divine, extending grace in practical, powerful ways. Bishop Hope Morgan Ward of The United Methodist Church once said, “Missions are not about our charity; they are about our solidarity — standing with others, not above them, in love, service, and shared hope.” This solidarity is the foundation of authentic discipleship.

God calls us to move beyond comfort into compassion, beyond the sanctuary into the streets. Whether it's supporting a food pantry, tutoring a child, advocating for immigrant rights, or simply listening to someone who feels invisible — these acts matter. They mirror the ministry of Jesus and draw us closer to God’s vision for humanity.

Practical Ways to Engage in Missions and Outreach:

• Volunteer with organizations that serve immigrants and refugees.

• Donate clothing, food, or funds to local shelters or mission partners.

• Organize a church or small group outreach to visit nursing homes or underserved schools.

• Offer your time and skills to help job seekers with resumes or interview prep.

• Advocate for policies that uphold justice and dignity for the vulnerable.

• Practice daily acts of kindness and hospitality — even a warm smile or encouraging word can be a mission.

Prayer:
Loving Creator, open our eyes to the needs around us. Soften our hearts to see every person as Your beloved. Help us not only to speak of compassion but to live it in action. Give us courage to go where You lead, to serve as Jesus served, and to love without condition. May our outreach reflect Your grace and be a light in a world that often forgets the least of these. Use us to welcome the stranger, lift the weary, and proclaim the good news through our lives. Amen.