Galatians 6:10
Read Galatians 6:10
Helpful Background Information:
In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus addresses the sheep on his right - those true disciples who reflected their faith in Christ by caring for the lowly. Ministry done unto the “least of these” is ministry done unto Christ himself. However, the Lord gives an important identifier of who the “least of these” are in verse 40: they are his brothers. As seen elsewhere in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus states that his brothers are his disciples (Matt. 12:48-49; 28:10). Additionally, Jesus says in Matthew 10:40 that to receive a disciple is to receive him.
Hence, people will be judged not only on how they treated “the least of these” generally, but precisely on how they treated Christ’s lowly followers. This does not mean, however, that Christians are only to care for lowly fellow-Christians and not for outsiders. Everyone should experience Christian benevolence and charity. However, it is a consistent teaching throughout the New Testament that believers should prioritize the needs of their brothers and sisters in Christ before meeting the needs of outsiders.
Paul in Galatians 6:10 gives more clarity to this idea. In Galatians 6, Paul shows practical expressions of what life lived in the power of the Holy Spirit looks like. In verse 10, we see that God appoints opportunities for believers to show the love of Christ to all people around them. However, Paul then states, especially unto the household of faith. As a result of our shared union with Christ, believers are adopted into God’s family. Because believers are a part of the same family, our service must prioritize them, similar to how earthly parents prioritize their love for their children before extending resources to care for those outside their family.
Again, the command is there to do good to everyone. Christ’s people should have a reputation for helping all people who experience poverty, sickness, and tragedy. And this has been true throughout history. For example, the Roman Emperor Julian famously criticized Christianity in 362 A.D., saying, “The impious Galileans (i.e., Christians) support not only their own poor but ours as well.” However, if believers are going to care for lowly outsiders well, they have to make sure their fellow Christians are taken care of first.
Reflection Questions:
What are some opportunities you have to do good unto your household of faith: Crossroads? Who are the “least of these” at Crossroads as Jesus described in Matthew 25? If you can’t think of anyone, what are some steps you can take to intentionally become more aware of these brothers and sisters and help meet their needs?
The early church has a reputation for radical generosity: both within itself and towards outsiders. If someone looked at how you use your time, resources, and energy, would they see evidence of Christlike care for others? What reputation does Crossroads have in our community when it comes to generosity? How could you do good to unbelievers around you?