The Weekly Clothesline: Be a “Red Letter” Christian

Posted 9/27/21

Many years ago at a conference I attended, the speaker’s focus was on Matthew 25:40.

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The Weekly Clothesline: Be a “Red Letter” Christian

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Many years ago at a conference I attended, the speaker’s focus was on Matthew 25:40. I’ve forgotten the speaker’s name but he called himself a “Red Letter Christian.” That was in reference to Jesus’ words that are written in red in many Bibles.

Just before this passage Jesus has been talking about the Last Judgment, separating the sheep from the goats, recognizing or not recognizing the needs of others, and he says in Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” That is certainly a passage worth memorizing!

While it’s sometimes dangerous to take passages out of context and apply them at will, this passage is surely meant for us to “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest.” We can do no better than to obey these words…to the letter!

The world we live in needs “Red Letter Christians.” Instead of speaking angry words, we need to remember Jesus’ command and speak kindness into a difficult situation. Instead of focusing on ourselves, we need to seek out ways to make someone else’s life better. Looking toward Jesus at all times will give us the tools we need to speak kindness and truth to a world that so desperately needs it. Be part of a solution that would make Jesus proud! If we are followers of Jesus, which make us “Red Letter Christians,” we need to act like Jesus.

About the author:
Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.

clothesline, Christ, Jesus, proud

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