Throughout Scripture, social consciousness and concern is mandated. The preceding verses to this text specifically tell us Jesus’ words on the subject and point out the criteria by which we will be judged, which is our treatment of those who are hungry, homeless, poor, diseased, and imprisoned (Matt. 25:37–39).
Social concern cannot be divorced from the Christian walk. “lf a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food … but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:15–17). We must not allow the Christian walk to be only a spiritual enterprise, unrelated to our service of humanity. When we fail to care for social need, we fail to place proper value on others, decreasing our own merit in the eyes of the Lord and inviting His condemnation.
Here Jesus equates our treatment of those who are destitute or distressed with our treatment of Himself. What we do for others, we do for Jesus. What will you do for Jesus today?
