Daily Devotional: The Wicked & The Righteous

Hey fabulous friends! Welcome back! Today, we're diving into the daily devotional, sharing a quick uplifting thought to brighten your day.  Before diving into this reflection, take a moment to read Matthew 25:31-46 in your favourite Bible translation. Once you’ve done that, return here to continue exploring its message.

If you're short on time, focus on this excerpt:

“Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Get away from me, you who will receive terrible things. Go into the unending fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels. I was hungry and you didn’t give me food to eat. I was thirsty and you didn’t give me anything to drink. I was a stranger and you didn’t welcome me. I was naked and you didn’t give me clothes to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and didn’t do anything to help you?’ Then he will answer, ‘I assure you that when you haven’t done it for one of the least of these, you haven’t done it for me. And they will go away into eternal punishment. But the righteous ones will go into eternal life.’

The Gospel is often portrayed through a lens of judgment and damnation, especially by those who preach fire and brimstone. Indeed, some Biblical passages talk about hell and eternal punishment, though these themes are less frequent than one might assume.

In this passage from Matthew, Jesus contrasts the fates of the righteous and the wicked. LGBT+ individuals frequently find themselves depicted as the “wicked” in discussions of sin and morality. Many have heard that their identities, loves, or choices are wrong, and that they face divine judgment. It’s rare for a queer person to navigate life without being urged to “Repent!” at least once.

A current illustration of this dynamic can be found on my colleague Dr. David Bennett's Instagram page—he’s an Oxford scholar. The comments on his recent address to Revoice reveal the bitterness and contention that LGBT+ people continue to face in discussions of faith and morality. The irony is notable, considering that David himself is part of a minority in LGBT+ community that adheres to a traditional sexual ethic.

But what does this passage say about judgment? Jesus specifies that judgment falls upon those who fail to care for the needy: those who don’t feed the hungry, offer water to the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, or visit the imprisoned. It seems those condemning others in the name of morality may be the very ones Jesus describes as facing judgment.

This passage raises questions about the nature of divine judgment. Is God truly a figure who condemns people to hell? Where does the concept of "love wins" fit into this narrative?

Jesus describes a scenario where God separates the compassionate from the neglectful, assigning eternal fates based on how we treat one another. This isn’t necessarily about a literal divine judge sorting people, but rather a reminder of how our actions reflect our connection to the divine.

When we ignore those in need or participate in the suffering of others, we disconnect ourselves from our shared humanity and the source of life. Although it might not be immediately noticeable, we are spiritually adrift. True connection to the divine comes from embracing and caring for each person.

Experiencing deep, genuine connections with others, especially those different from ourselves, mirrors the way Jesus and his followers lived—engaging actively in the world rather than merely discussing theology. It’s about more than correct beliefs or words; it’s about meaningful action and embodiment.

Matthew 25:31-46 challenges us to engage with the world not out of fear of future judgment, but because neglecting others brings spiritual torment. Conversely, acting with compassion allows us to experience a taste of eternal life right now.

Reflection Questions:
Who are the “least of these” in your daily life?
Do you see yourself as a sheep or a goat? If not a sheep, how might you change that?
Have you ever felt like Jesus “visited” you through another person? What happened, and how did it make you feel?

Practical Exercises:

Donate to a local food bank or give money directly to someone in need.
Get involved with prison abolition efforts through organisations like Justice Action.
Support LGBTQ+ homeless shelters with donations.
Advocate for funding for housing and support for people in need by contacting local councillors.
Watch "13th," directed by Ava DuVernay, to gain further insight into these issues.

That concludes today’s devotional! I hope this message has brightened your day. If you found it meaningful, please consider sharing it to spread the positivity. Thank you for joining us today—remember to celebrate your uniqueness! Stay well and keep a positive mindset until we meet again.

Footnotes:

Source: Kearns, S., & Murphy, B. (2020). "Queers the Word" - (Adapted for reflection of The Judgement of the Nations). Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Image Title: "Harmony in Threads" Source: Midjourney’s image generation model.

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