Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
“He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of water only in the name of a disciple, shall receive a disciple’s reward.”
Jesus - in Matthew 10:41-42
“Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
Jesus - Matthew 12:36
Jesus taught his followers that even the smallest of deeds and words will be rewarded by God, whether by a blessing or by a curse. This must mean that any simple, sincere act, such as the raising of our hands to praise the Lord, will receive its reward. Those who lift their hands to Him in sincere praise have already fought and won a battle over the pride and self-will in their flesh. And it is because God is just that they will receive a reward.
To smile when God is pleased will bring us a good reward, to grieve when he is grieved will bring us a good reward. To encourage “the little ones” in Christ will bring us a good reward, and to be happy for the blessing of others will bring us a good reward. There is no good deed so small as to escape the notice of the Almighty, or too small to have no good reward from Him.
“Who has despised the day of small things?” said God through the ancient prophet. Most of our life is made of “small things”, but small kindnesses are not small at all to Jesus. He was here as one of us, and he knows how much that small kindnesses mean to us who are in this cruel, selfish world.