The Least Of These

The Least of These

[Jesus] will answer, “I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”

Matthew 25:45

A crystal-white blanket of snow covers the ground outside, but the Amish who sit around the wood-burning stove are thinking about concrete rubble and destroyed lives. Haiti is a long distance from the Amish communities of North America, but prayers cross the distance. More than that, Amish communities have plans—big plans—for sending funds.

If you’ve been acquainted with the Amish for any length of time, you know about their care for the needy in their own communities. Those who’ve visited Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania may have been surprised to find benefit auctions providing for the needs of those in developing countries.

Proceeds from these auctions go to various mission organizations, such as those supporting earthquake victims in Haiti. From afar, the Amish bring relief to the sick, the hungry, and the homeless. Auctions are held throughout the year, and as soon as one is over, the Amish families begin working hard on their donations for the next one. Can you imagine the smile on a carpenter’s face as he pictures the funds from the chair or table he’s making going to drill wells, educate children, and build homes?

It’s easy for us to become so consumed with our own needs that we forget about “the least of these.” But any time we give to those who have no way of giving back, we will be rewarded: “The King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” (Matthew 25:40).

Is caring for our homes, our communities, enough? Yes, but sometimes God asks us to do more. What is He asking you today?

Heavenly Father, the times I give to those who cannot give back are the times when my heart is most full. I’m learning that the more I help other people, the more I become like Jesus Christ.