This week, an estimated more than 43 million Americans heard a national political candidate reference Matthew 25:40 on live television: “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
There is a long tradition in the US of politicians posturing with Scripture. But it raises an important question—just who are the “least of these,” anyway?
The Bible teaches not only that Christians should have compassion towards fellow human beings in general but also that they should exercise particular care and concern for their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
Now more than ever, we are called to put this into action. Recent hurricanes and storms have unleashed trillions of gallons of water on the southeastern United States, causing catastrophic flooding, destruction of property, and the tragic loss of over 130 lives. Countless families are still without shelter and power as communities sift through the wreckage.
Our missionaries in North Carolina, along with their church, are actively coordinating with teams to meet the critical needs of these affected communities. Immediate relief efforts are underway, but they are just the beginning of a long road to recovery and rebuilding.
ABWE worker Yvonna McGhee, partnering with Samaritan’s Purse and the North American Mission Board, reflected, “There have been hundreds of volunteers each day who have shown up in Boone to help with disaster relief, primarily in those areas hit by flooding in the mountainous areas.”
She continued: “The Lord has provided again… over and above our needs. He is faithful, and worthy of our hope and trust.”
Our Christian neighbors aren’t just next door. Halfway around the world, our missionary Tim Compton shares about the flooding in Chiang Rai, Thailand:
The flood waters returned to the river about two weeks ago. The adrenaline has worn off and has been replaced with exhaustion and grief. People are exhausted from long days of moving mud from their homes. Streets are piled with possessions destroyed by the flood, and families are beginning to grieve over the things they have lost.
Yet, amidst the hardship, there is a glimmer of gratitude:
These emotions are coupled with gratitude. Families are overwhelmed by the amount of help they received from people outside of their families—help offered for free out of love. The church went mobile and helped people that did not have anywhere to go. Funds donated provided temporary housing, supplies to clean feet of mud out of houses, money to pay for tractors to remove mud from their homes and streets, drinking water, and food. We have also been able to replace refrigerators and washing machines.
Tim and his team have been the hands and feet of Jesus, providing not just physical aid but spiritual comfort:
Through this natural disaster, we have been able to pray over families, give them literature to read at the end of the day, and answer questions as to why we help . . . [locals are saying] “I am amazed at how Christians are willing to drop everything and help people in the community.”
When one member of the body of Christ suffers, all suffer together. Yet God uses tragedies to open doors for the gospel to go forward when the world sees Christians compassionately sacrificing and finding joy amid loss.
Now is the time for the people of God to act, from Appalachia to Thailand. Let us pray that the Lord would make us worthy servants of his, ready to do good in his name—especially to the household of faith.
If the Lord would enable you to consider a gift, you can support the North America Compassion Fund to help our US disaster response or use our Southeast Asia Compassion Fund to support efforts underway in Thailand to provide relief.
