And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25:46
Remember the parable about the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom to arrive? Even though they might have looked the same, there was a vast difference when it came to getting in to the wedding feast. Something that was apparent only when it mattered the most made all the difference. Oil, who had it and who didn’t! It’s the same with everybody in the world when it comes to God’s salvation: those who have it get to enter eternal life in Heaven, but those who don’t have it are left outside for judgment. For what seems like a small thing, the consequences are incredibly huge. There are other huge differences as well.
Our text follows the description by the Lord Jesus about those who were hospitable to and ministered to His brethren, and those who did not. While it is true that there are some hard-hearted Christians, there is a huge difference between how the Christian treats people and how the unsaved person treats people. Because we are the residence of the Holy Spirit, we have His influence over us as we interact with others. His guidance is to help us act as the Lord Jesus acted as he walked among us. And we know the Lord Jesus was always gentle, kind, and considerate. He loved to comfort the hurt and grieving, to heal the suffering, to calm the troubled, and to bless the poor and disadvantaged. He is our best and greatest example, and it is our greatest joy to follow as closely in His footsteps as possible.
Just as there are exceptions to the kindness, generosity, and caring that Christians are to display, so too there are exceptions to the uncaring and cold attitudes of the unregenerate. Around us we find plenty of examples of neighbourliness and compassion among those who are not saved. For whatever their motive, these dear folks are wonderful people. But they are in the minority. If Christians are living as they ought, they are the ones who obey the commandment to treat our neighbour like ourselves, like Jesus did.
Yes, Christians are different from the unsaved, and it’s not just the destination for which we are bound. It should be evident in our Christ-like compassion and kindness. -Jim MacIntosh