Devotional

When Giving Reveals Whose We Are

A short midweek reflection to carry into your week.

January 21, 2026 Pastor Scott Uselman 4 min read

Part of the message: Giving Results in Inheritance

Let Jesus' image of the sheep and goats challenge you: who are you becoming by how you meet the needs around you?

Scripture

The Sheep and the Goats [31] “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. [32] All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. [33] He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. [34] “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. [35] For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, [36] I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ [37] “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? [38] When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ [40] “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.’ [41] “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. [42] For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, [43] I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ [44] “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ [45] “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ [46] “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

A Living Sacrifice [1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Does the Evidence Show?

What comes to mind when you hear the words, "Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me"? Does your heart race with uncertainty or ache with longing? Jesus presents a surprising picture, not just of what matters at judgment but of what sort of people we are becoming long before that day comes. The inheritance is not a distant hope, it's planted now in every quiet act of mercy, every meal, visit, and cup of water.

This week, as you move through ordinary routines, Jesus’ story asks you: Whose need crossed your path this week? Did you move toward them, or did you cross to the other side?

Noticing need can feel overwhelming. Maybe your own resources stretch thin, or maybe it's hard not to calculate whether giving will make any real difference. But pause and remember: Jesus does not overlook any act done for another, especially when done out of the simple knowledge that all we have is a gift.

Let yourself sit quietly with this image: the Son of Man looking with delight at those who did not even realize their simple acts were so closely tied to him. They were not checking off requirements; they were living as family. Can you trust that becoming this kind of person does not depend on how much you have, but on your willingness to be available, present, with open hands, letting Christ’s own generosity pass through you?

Meditation Focus

This week, ask yourself: Does the way I give, my time, attention, resources, show I am growing more like Jesus, or shrinking back into myself?

Practical Step

Look for one small, tangible need in your everyday circle: at home, at work, at church, or in your neighborhood. Do something to meet that need with no expectation of thanks or return, simply as an extension of grace you yourself have received.

Prayer

God, you are holy, generous, and present even in my ordinary life. I stand in awe of the inheritance you have prepared for those who receive your life and share it. Help me, Lord, to be shaped by your will and not just my own habits. Let your Spirit open my eyes to see those around me as you do. Give me today everything I need, strength to be generous, patience to pay attention, and the faith to step forward even when I feel empty-handed. Where I have curved inward, forgive me; where I have failed to notice the needs of a brother or sister, soften my heart. Anchor me in your mercy so that fear or scarcity does not drive me. Deliver me from all that would keep me from loving my neighbor and keep watch over our church family as we try to live out your story. I trust you, and I long to hear your voice say, "Come, here is your inheritance." Amen.

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735 Golden Creek Rd, Liberty, SC 29657

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