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, 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. (Mat 25:35-36)
We’re quite familiar with this scriptural passage, but most American churches would apply it to “spiritual hunger, spiritual pain, and spiritual bondage.” This perspective is a reflection of our background. Most of our brothers and sisters live in middle- or upper-class communities. Those living in newly developed areas where Asians are highly populated find it hard to find people living in “poverty, hunger, illness, and disadvantage.” People have a tendency to seek after revival meetings, anointed speakers, filling of the Spirit, and inner prayer. Between those spiritual feasts, it’s easy for us for forget why God gave us blessing, for whom has He anointed us, why does the Spirit empower us. How many Christians are aware of the urgent needs of the neighboring cities? How many churches have made an impact in the society? Although I have been a Christian for more twenty years, I regret that I did not serve people who are poor and in need in my community.