Inner Gospel
Daily Bread — scripture, a short word, and something to carry into the day.
The One In Front Of You
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
It is easy to love people in general and difficult to love the specific one standing in your doorway at the wrong time.
Notice that Jesus does not describe a program. He describes encounters — hungry, thirsty, a stranger, sick, in prison. Ordinary people met one at a time, usually inconveniently.
The people in that parable were startled. When did we see you? They had not been running a ministry. They had been decent to whoever was in front of them, and it turned out that was the whole thing.
You will not be handed a crowd today. You will be handed a customer who is frustrated, a coworker who is struggling, a neighbor who needs ten minutes. That is not the interruption to the work. Some days it is the work.
Today’s Anchor
- Slow Down for One Give the next person who needs you more time than is convenient.
- Ask a Second Question When someone says they are fine, ask once more and actually listen.
- Do It Anonymously Help someone today in a way that earns you no credit.
Morning Prayer
Jesus, You are found in the people I am tempted to hurry past. Give me eyes for the one in front of me today and patience that does not run out at the inconvenient moment. Let someone meet Your kindness through my hands. In Your name, Amen.