We are one event, decision, circumstance away from being “the least of these.”

What that means in this economic crisis, there are people in need. The gospel of serving the least of these is found within the words of Jesus, when he said, “Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me,” Matthew 25:40.

The context of that verse is placed within a passage of judgment and warning.

Jesus makes clear application that those who would be his people would be the type of people who would look to helping the least of these among the culture.

With money getting harder to come by, and jobs cutting back, while people are still in need, the rise of this gospel application toward the least of these is magnified. The human nature is to hold onto our things; while the spirit of God is to give it away. We find it a battle to think that someone else will cover the ministry toward the least of these.

However, I would like to encourage you to consider your response in bringing real ministry to people right here in our city and area.

Our church participates with a ministry called The Gathering Inn. We serve this group of people once a month at Bell Road Baptist Church and would welcome your assistance in ministry toward the least of these.

You could support this with a financial gift or come and serve with us.

It is a humble experience to walk in the command of Jesus, and to be called out to serve the least of these among us.

They, like anyone, are people to whom God has made and can be served both real food and spiritual food of the gospel that will refresh and remind them that they matter to God.

Learn more at thegathering

inn.com.

Eric Van Patten is pastor of Auburn’s Elevation Church, which meets 4:30 p.m. Sundays at Bell Road Baptist Church, 707 Bell Road, Auburn. Learn more at elevationlive.com.