Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” – Matthew 25:40 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

Words are powerful, but words without action are empty. It is easy to say, “Merry Christmas!” or “God bless you!” and yet leave someone’s true needs unmet. Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 cut to the heart: He identifies Himself with the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick, and the imprisoned. To serve them is to serve Him.

This truth reshapes the way we think about compassion. Serving others is not just a nice thing to do—it is ministry to Christ Himself. Our kindness, generosity, and service to “the least of these” are received by the Lord as though offered directly to Him. That means every meal shared, every visit made, every act of mercy extended becomes an act of worship.

The Apostle James reinforces this when he warns against faith that speaks but does not act: “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” (James 2:15–16, ESV). Real faith does not stop at words—it moves our hands and feet.

Too often, we live in bubbles of comfort, lavishing gifts on those closest to us while overlooking the hurting people God has placed in our path. The call of Christ is not complicated: see the need, step toward it, and love with action. This does not always require grand gestures; sometimes the most powerful ministry is a simple, intentional act of kindness.

Especially in seasons like Christmas, when our calendars and shopping lists overflow, we have an opportunity to re-center our traditions. What if celebrating Christ’s birth meant serving Him in the hungry neighbor, the lonely shut-in, or the forgotten stranger? In doing so, we would discover the joy that comes from loving Jesus by loving others.

Reflection Questions

1. When was the last time you acted on your compassion instead of only speaking it?

2. Who in your community could use a tangible expression of God’s love today?

3. How might your Christmas traditions look different if serving “the least of these” became central?

4. What small but intentional step can you take this week to put feet to your words?

Closing Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the times I have spoken words of blessing without following through with action. Teach me to see You in the hungry, the lonely, and the hurting. Help me not just to say I care, but to live it out with generosity and compassion. This Christmas and beyond, may my love be real, visible, and sacrificial—so that when I serve others, I serve You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.