How Are You Treating Jesus?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me Matthew 25:40).

If we treat people with disregard, contempt, and hatred, are we really treating Jesus this way? When we encounter someone in need, someone overlooked or dismissed by society, our response reveals more than our character. It reflects how closely we follow Jesus. Christ made it clear that our treatment of others is a direct reflection for how we treat Him. That means that every act of kindness, patience, and mercy is not just a good deed; it's a sacred sacrifice, a moment of acting Christlike. On the other hand, every cold shoulder, judgmental attitude, or harsh word is a wound inflicted on the One who bore pain for us.

This truth challenges us to examine ourselves. Do we extend grace to the harried cashier who's having a rough day? Do we show compassion to a struggling neighbor who tends to rub us the wrong way? Do we listen with true interest, forgive without demanding anything in return, and love without conditions? These are not abstract virtues. They are tangible ways to honor Jesus by following the model He set for us. The least of these are not distractions from our spiritual walk; they are the means of strengthening our journey of faith.

So, how are you treating Jesus? Not in intent or theory, but in practice -- in the way you speak to others (especially your family and those close to you), respond to strangers, and think about those who differ from you. The gospel calls us to universal empathy, not selective kindness. When we begin to see Christ in every person, our hearts soften, our hands open, and our lives begin to reflect Jesus' love. Let us not just be known by our beliefs, but also by our Christlike love in action, by the fact that we treat others the way we would treat Jesus.

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