For the Least of TheseSample

Day Three: Who Are God’s Friends?

I read verse of the day everyday and I use several different translations. I have become quite fond of the EASY version. Probably for obvious reasons - it’s easy!

Look at the Kings response to the sheep in verse 40 when they are bewildered with their kindness to the poor being akin to kindness to Jesus.

“The king will answer them, “I tell you this. You did all these things to help other people. They were not important people, but they were my friends. When you helped them, then you also helped me.”” Matt‬ ‭25‬:‭40‬ ‭EASY‬‬

We also see it again in verse 45 from the goats who were shocked they hadn’t been helping Jesus:

“Then the king will reply, “I tell you this. You did not help the people who are my friends. They were not important people. But when you did not help them, you also did not help me.”” Matt‬ ‭25‬:‭45‬ ‭EASY‬‬

It hit me pretty hard and I got stuck on those words.. “they were not important people, but they were my friends.”

I have some friends who have been friends for over 30 years and I love them. And there are new friends that I hope will be friends for many years to come. I know God is my friend and I am His, but I don’t think I have ever considered how much God considers the poor and vulnerable and marginalised as His friends.

We must move beyond seeing the poor just as people we need to serve and help, because they are God’s friends too and He enjoys their company.

May God give us a better way to see everyone. Especially those we can’t stand to be around at work or church or family. I am challenged to cherish the friendships I have and to work harder on being friendly to everyone.

Q: When you think about people who are God‘s friends, who comes to mind?