Matthew 25:40 says “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

In this verse, “the least of these” refers to both those living in the margins and those that Jesus loves (so everyone!). It is in our nature to choose to be around a circle of people similar to ourselves, because that is where we feel the most safe. However, we are called to seek those outside of that circle and give them the same love, kindness, and generosity, even when it isn’t easy or convenient. This may mean serving dinner at a homeless shelter once a month. It could also mean giving grace to a neighbor who hasn’t mowed their lawn in a few weeks. Or maybe offering to buy the coffee of the person behind you in line. It could even mean smiling at a stranger at the grocery store. As the saying goes, everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about. I invite you to seek out “the least of these” this week, and always!