Matthew 25:40

A little while back, I was sitting and pondering the words of this scripture, Matthew 25:40.

"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."

I was thinking about this verse around Easter time, so the stories of Gethsemane, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection were fresh on my mind.  I knew that this verse was Jesus speaking to His disciples.  When we think of this verse and this doctrine that is taught, we normally think of the good things we can do.  I think this is expected, since this verse is surrounded by examples of people visiting others in prison, and helping people when they're sick.  However, I don't know about many of you, but I never really considered the reverse.  The thought just hit me like a bolt of lightening.  Whatever we do to the "least" of our brethren, we do it unto Him.  How do we treat the least of our brethren?  Do we just ignore them, and move on?  Do we tease them, do we think that we're better than them?  Do we despise them, and think that they're somehow less deserving than we are?  Or do we befriend them, listen to them, and help them with whatever they're going through?

When I realized that, it really made me think about my life differently.  I've always thought "oh, if I talk to them here and there, that's enough."  No, I was wrong.  Every little thing we do, the Heavens record.  How would you treat Jesus?  Would you ignore Him, and move on?  Would you think that you're somehow more deserving than He is?  Would you think that you're better than Him?  Would you kick Him out, and make him an outcast?  Would you insult Him?

I want to testify to you that every single person on this Earth matters.  Yes, all 7 billion people matter.  Each one has a story just as complex as yours.  How do you treat them?  I know that God loves each one of us, specifically and individually.  I know if we show others that same love that He shows, then we will be so happy.  Winston Churchill once said "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."  I know the Book of Mormon is true.  I know this Gospel is true.  I know Heavenly Father is there, and I want to make it back to live with Him.  I would like to say these things in the Holy name of Jesus Christ, amen.