“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of these My brothers and sisters, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:40
We were watching swans at a city park. There were three flawless birds, so beautiful and perfect and white that it was almost hard to believe that they were real. The fourth could have been a young swan or another kind of fowl. Far from being attractive, it was a small, scraggly, muddy-looking, multi-colored bird that could have easily earned the title of “ugly duckling.”
When it swam over to join the fun with the big birds, the three beautiful swans turned on it, roughly shaking it and holding it completely under the water for extended periods, pecking and tearing at it viciously. Too far out in the water to shoo them apart, I couldn’t help but cry as I watched the cruelty of the birds.
Sadly, people can be just as mean. It is often the healthy, strong ones who peck away at those who are vulnerable or have special needs. Co-workers can verbally rip at each other. Sometimes even spouses and family members are viciously cruel to each other.
Jesus tells us that when we mistreat others (or when we treat others well) we are doing it to Him. How wonderful it is that He promises to walk with us during difficult times. He also calls us to courageously help and defend those who are in difficult situations.
Dear Lord, at great cost You lovingly saved us from the power of sin and death. Help us to courageously help those who need us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.