Service with Love
Bible Reading: Matthew 25:31-46
Author: Anton Kuzmin (St Petersburg, Russia)
Author: Anton Kuzmin (St Petersburg, Russia)
Tuesday 28 July 2026 © The Upper Room.
Lately, our church has been preparing hot meals for people who are hungry or homeless.
But this is not the first time we have had a ministry to poor people.
In the past, when we did not have our own building, the young people collected bags of food and distributed them. We went around the neighbouring areas and sought out those who needed food.
Now we have our own building where we can invite people in and feed them with hot soup, sandwiches and tea. On the first night, only one man came.
Part of me was disappointed; we had prepared a meal for 20 people.
However, I noticed a difference between the church and a business project: numbers are not as important as the quality of the achieved result. But what is the point in having large numbers of guests if I didn’t even know how to talk to our one guest or conduct myself around him?
I know that Jesus would have done things differently. He calls us to feed those who are hungry and welcome strangers as if we are welcoming him. Jesus would have found the right words that night. I know that with a tiny bit of faith and courage we can follow Jesus’ example.
Prayer: Dear God of Compassion, help us offer hospitality to our neighbour without fear or hesitation. Amen
