The followers of Jesus Christ should know and be assured that they have forgiveness for all their sins and the certainty of life everlasting because of what Jesus did for us. He promised that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. That is a comforting assurance, and one that I cling to in my life.
Knowing what I have for Jesus’ sake is what motivates me to want to help others. Knowing that I don’t have to earn my forgiveness and salvation frees me to live a life of service that responds to the grace of God that has been shown to me.
In Matthew 25, Jesus is describing the final judgment, where some are declared righteous and some are not. It is an example of “by their fruits you will know them.” Speaking to those judged righteous for Jesus’ sake, the Lord lists the kinds of things they did in their lives.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’” (Matthew 25:34–36, NIV84)
This attitude and mindset is what drives Christians around to world to live lives that serve others. It is also the impetus behind an organization in out nation called Family Promise. Family Promise has chapters all over the United States that are working to help homeless families with children under the age of 18. The goal is to get these families established in a way that they can support themselves and be independent. By providing temporary housing and a program leading to self-sufficiency, this program is having a tremendous impact on families. We have a chapter in our county and my congregation is actively involved in it.
Homelessness continues to be a problem all around us. Are you looking for a way you can help those who need someone to encourage them and offer a helping hand up? Take a look at familypromise.org.
