Good Morning Friends,
You’ve likely grown closer to God through forgiveness, prayer, praise, and Scripture. But here is a surprising truth: did you know that in giving hope to the poor, you draw nearer to sanctification.
Scripture (Summarized)
Matthew 5:41 Jesus teaches radical generosity—go the second mile.
Matthew 8:1–4 Jesus heals a leper with compassion and secrecy, showing that mercy, not spectacle, is His mission.
2 Kings 25:1–12 Jerusalem falls to Babylon; the powerful are exiled, but the poorest remain to tend the land, an unexpected grace.
Matthew 25:40 Whatever we do for the least, we do for Christ Himself.
Romans 10:1–2 Zeal without understanding cannot save; true righteousness comes from God.
Hebrews 4:16 We approach God’s throne boldly, receiving mercy and grace in our need.
Message: Jesus never sought fame as a miracle worker. His purpose was salvation—drawing humanity into God’s family. And one of the clearest paths into God’s heart is the path of mercy.Mother Teresa is said to have described this path simply: “Silence gives birth to prayer; prayer to faith; faith to love; love to service; and service to peace.” This is the spiritual DNA of Christ Himself, who lived among outcasts and carried their burdens with joy. This is to become our charism.Walking with Jesus means going the second mile, turning the other cheek, surrendering pride, forgiving quickly, and giving generously, especially to the marginalized. Grace received becomes grace given. And in serving the poor, God sanctifies us. Even in Israel’s darkest hour, when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem, God left the poor behind to tend the vineyards. Grace often hides in unexpected places.
A legend of Saint Francis tells of his fear of lepers. Yet when he embraced one in obedience to Christ, the leper vanished, leaving Francis with the unmistakable sense that he had embraced Christ Himself. Our lives are filled with such hidden moments. The least, the last, and the lost become the very places where we meet Jesus.
And So, as George MacDonald wrote, “The love of God is not the love of the lovely, but the love that makes us lovely.” When we love the poor, God reshapes us into His likeness. This life is brief, a puff of smoke, but every act of mercy draws us deeper into the covenant of love and the holiness God desires for us.
Pray we realize everyone needs the touch of Jesus. Pray we obey Christ with joy. Pray we trust God’s promises and perspective. Pray that we become servants and stewards worthy of His name. Pray we walk in Jesus’ life-giving relationship. Pray we embrace God’s purpose for the poor and vulnerable. Pray that we choose the simple path of love and humility. Pray we learn from our laments and grow closer to God. Pray for one another’s healing and wholeness. Pray Jesus’ Kingdom overcomes the world. Pray grace draws us toward the needy and sets us free. Pray we go the distance and the second mile.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 