God Will Never Undervalue One Simple Act Of Kindness

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ — Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

“I’m not even a big fish in a small pond,” I wailed. “I’m just a fish!” My morning’s stroll through social media had taken a toll on my self-confidence. Fresh achievements from friends and acquaintances had left me feeling torn. I wanted to be encouraged by their successes ~ and be happy for them. And yet… in comparison to their bigger platforms and spheres of influence, my own accomplishments seemed meager and insignificant. I even began to wonder if what I do makes any difference. In my frustration, I poured out my heart to God.

Almost immediately a memory from my days as a college student popped into my head. Like a scene in a movie, I watched as my friend and mentor helped her disabled mother take communion. Every Sunday my friend repeated this small act of service. And with the memory, came the words she once shared with me:

“People in our church notice me,” she declared. “not because of the Bible studies I’ve led, or the women I’ve influenced for Christ. People notice me because of how I help my mother.”

This conversation happened over forty years ago ~ before the internet, smart phones, or social media. Her “platform” was quite small ~ and yet she was noticed. And not just by the members of our congregation. 

In the Parable of The Sheep and The Goats (Matthew 25:31-46), Jesus gives a glimpse of the final judgment. Those destined for a blessed inheritance ~ the sheep ~ will be placed on His right. But those who have forfeited the blessing ~ the goats ~ will be placed on His left. The way people respond to God’s grace will determine if they are a sheep or a goat. Those who show their gratitude through acts of kindness will be categorized as sheep:

 “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 NIV).

I’ve read this parable many times over the years. But this time I gained new insight from the sheep’s response:

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ (Matthew 25:37-39 NIV)

The sheep seem so surprised ~ they didn’t see the significance of their acts of kindness. Maybe like me, they didn’t have a large platform. Possibly they felt led to serve behind the scenes, rather than on the stage. I imagine they never knew how far their small acts of kindness impacted the world around them. They simply responded to the grace of God by extending grace to others. And for Jesus this makes a big impact:

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40 NIV emphasis mine)

Jesus values serving a platform of one ~ not the one with the greatest power, influence, or capability, but the one with the least. Because when we do that, Jesus notices ~ and considers it a service to Him.

We live in a world where the highest values are often assigned to the most visible achievements. It’s so easy for me to believe that those with the biggest platforms will also have the greatest impact. But Jesus reminds me to have a different perspective. 

Because of Jesus the smallest act of kindness can have the greatest impact. 

After I graduated from college, I moved to a different city. My friend and I have not crossed paths again, but her example of gracious service continues to inspire me. I wonder ~ what will God do with the kindness I show to others today? 

Lord, we can so easily get caught up in this world’s valuation of service and achievements. Help us remember the grace we’ve received, and to share it with whomever You place in our paths. Give us the peace that comes in knowing we are serving You ~ in whatever capacity that may be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.