Mission Possible – Ensure Safe, Peaceful, and Welcoming Communities: No Excuses

Key Verse

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.

Matthew 25:35 (NLT)

Short Reflection

Our Key Verse provides a very interesting and challenging parable with important meaning to us Christians. Others may have different interpretation of this parable, but I want to say that serving Jesus Christ now is more important than our debate about the meaning of the parable.

Mercy

Who are these people or brothers? A lot has been spoken. Some interpret them as all those who are needy and deprived, for the poor and needy certainly occupy a special place in the heart of God {Exodus 22:22-27; Luke16:19-25}. Others regard the brothers as the special messengers of Christ and claim that the judgment is based on how the people of the world treat these brothers. Christ has sent them without food.

Ultimately, we do not need to choose between these interpretations, because we are called to respond to all human need, for that is love does.

However, this parable must not lead us to assume that demonstration of love for the needy will be enough to bring salvation. The gospel must be preached. Those who respond positively to the gospel shall be saved.

Conclusion

Christians have no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs. We cannot hand over this responsibility to the government. It is a Christian call.

This is the fourth in the “Ensure Safe, Peaceful, and Welcoming Communities” series of blog posts on our Journey to Palpable Kingdom Presence and is submitted by Pastor Alick Kalonga, Executive Director of our Zambian partner, CEMFIN.