From the very beginning, God speaks to us from His Word that “He” makes a distinction between the people whom He has chosen to be His own, and the people of the world. In Genesis 12: 3: God says to Abram, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you”. In today’s verse Jesus makes the point of telling us that everyone who blesses those who are followers of His have a reward, even if they give them a cup of cold water.
In John 15: 16a: Jesus says, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.” After telling His followers to love one another, Jesus says in verse 18: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me first.” Jesus spoke of Himself in Mark 9: 12b: saying, “And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He should suffer many things and be treated with contempt.” Jesus identifying with the suffering that His followers would have to endure because of following Him, conveyed to them that their suffering for His Name’s sake would not go unnoticed, and anyone who would be a source of the smallest blessing to them, would also be blessed.
In Hebrews 11: 31: we see an astonishing reward for kindness to God’s people. It says, “By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.” Many through the Old and New Testament found God’s favor by the simplest act of kindness to God’s people.”
Galatians 6: 10: says, “So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Not only are we called to bless the Lord’s people, but as the Lord’s own possession we are called, as in Ephesians 4:32: to “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” The result being that, we are “doubly blessed,” when as Christians we bless those who also follow Jesus!
Dearest Lord Jesus: thank You that it is Your desire that none should perish, and that all should come to repentance and a vibrant life in You. 2 Peter 3: 9. Thank You for the wonderful blessings You bestow upon those who choose to become part of Your Eternal family. We pray for all those who have been kind to Your followers, that they also may find their Salvation in Jesus, and know the blessings for those who respond to Your Marvelous Grace. Glory to You alone!
