Our society values tolerance, equality, and belonging. Yet, we applaud strength, accomplishment, production, excellence, intelligence, and outstanding performance. There are many people who feel “less than,” like they don’t measure up and never will — no matter how hard they try.

God’s Kingdom is contrary. God’s call to reach the “least of these” reflects the Father’s heart. The Lord has equipped the Body — longing for unity, love, honor and respect — to reflect a beautiful picture of His heart. He calls us to reach society’s marginalized — those who may constantly feel like they are insignificant, undervalued, and have no contribution to make for the greater good.

How we treat the powerless and infirm reflects our heart. By comforting those in crisis, we learn about the depth of the love of God. Serving those who cannot repay us teaches us about humility and gentleness. Indeed, “those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.”

Lord, give me a heart like yours. Give me eyes and ears to see others around me as an indispensable part of your body. Help me love with humility and gentleness and treat others with dignity and respect. Help me to honor others and reflect your heart! Amen.

Go Deeper — This week, pay attention to how you interact with others — especially those who are weak or frail — those the Lord sees as indispensable. Deliberately go out of your way to show love and honour to those you may usually ignore. Pay attention to how the Lord leads you and what He shows you about others and yourself.

Further Reading — Read what Rick Warren has to say in We Serve God By Serving Others.