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Verse:“I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” —Matthew 25:36
New York City police officer Larry DePrimo noticed large blisters on the bare feet of a homeless man. It was a cold night in Times Square, and Officer DePrimo was moved by the plight of the man with no shoes.
While onlookers laughed at the homeless man, Officer DePrimo went to a nearby shoe store and bought the man thermal socks and a pair of insulated winter boots. The surprised man received the gift gratefully.* Officer Larry DePrimo was invited to appear on television programs to discuss the kind deed he had performed. Officer DePrimo was prompted by compassion and didn’t hesitate to be the solution to a problem facing a complete stranger. From time to time, God gives us opportunities to impact someone in a significant, practical way. In blessing our fellow humans, we not only show kindness to Jesus in the person of His children but also demonstrate that our faith in God impacts us to the very core of our being.
The questioners in Jesus’ parable were told they showed kindness to the King when they provided food and drink to “the least of these” —when they welcomed strangers into their homes, provided clothing as did Officer DePrimo, or visited the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:40). Jesus’ earthly ministry was marked by compassion. Allowing God’s love to call compassion from the heart is to allow the work of Jesus.
Not everyone will listen to a sermon or appreciate a Bible study, but almost everyone responds to acts of kindness carried out unselfishly.
Whether it is providing warm boots to a homeless man or sharing a loaf of bread with a neighbor, God is waiting to show His love for others through you.
Deeds of kindness that spring from a loving heart speak loudly of the love of Jesus and the existence of the God of heaven.