… I was sick and you visited me …

Matthew 25:36

Kathleen had only met my father once, but she’d been faithfully praying for him during his three-week hospital stay. One day, I shared how he was growing discouraged and lonely because I was unable to visit him every day. “Do you think he’d mind if I visited?” she texted. “I think he’d love that,” I responded.

The next day, she showed up at his door with a milkshake and a smile. “We had a great visit,” she said. “I hope he was encouraged.” Kathleen’s kind gesture meant a lot to my dad, but it also encouraged me. She stood in the gap when I couldn’t be there, and by ministering to someone I loved, she ministered to me. Kindness has a way of doing that — splashing out and watering the souls of everyone it touches.

Lori Hatcher
Lexington, SC

Father, remind me that sometimes the best way to minister to someone is to care for those they love. Amen.

Reflect: Are you praying for someone’s loved one? Send them a card. Make a call or schedule a visit.

Read: Matthew 25:40 and Galatians 6:2