For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His Name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Hebrews 6:10
When we were first married, Judy and I didn’t have much, and the larder in our tiny apartment would often be pretty lean. So we were always glad to accept a dinner invitation on Sundays after the Sunday School was over. The invitations were frequent, and came from Clifford and Annie Haines. ‘Come and get a clean bite,’ Clifford would joke, and we would go, knowing the food would be great and the company would be even better. They knew we were struggling to make ends meet and that our Sunday dinner would not have amounted to much in the apartment. They were a kind and caring couple, and we learned to love them dearly. Several years later, when they moved to another home, one of our friends gave them a large mounted text for their wall. The verse was the words of our text today, and I was glad to see it, because it fitted that dear old couple so well. We all know some folks like that, and we are so thankful for them!
Hospitality – ministering to the saints – is not something that everyone does as well as our text indicates. Yes, it’s very nice to visit each other in our homes. And we should definitely do that. But what our text has in mind, and what Clifford and Annie practiced, is hospitality toward those who could not return the favour, hospitality as a means of extending kindness to those in need of it. Sometimes there is not much thanks for this type of service. That’s why it’s important to note that God always notices it.
The righteousness of God demands that He records and remembers – and eventually rewards – each act of kindness toward His people. No matter that others don’t know about it. No matter that it’s not common knowledge in the Assembly or the community. No matter that you don’t receive a pat on the back or a return favour. God will never forget one of these selfless and generous acts. And there is a good reason why He won’t. Our text declares that all of these kind deeds are not only directed toward those in need of kindness, but they are also directed toward His Name. Jesus said it best, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me’ (Matthew 25:40).
Do you want to do something to please your Lord today? Show kindness to somebody in need and He will be delighted. – Jim MacIntosh