How to Properly Give a Cup of Cold Water
“…if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” –Jesus
For us to give someone this cup of cold water, it takes a lot of effort. First, we have to fight against gravity to get off of the couch. After completing that task, we then have to make the looooong journey into the kitchen to get a glass. Next, we are required to strain against a button on the fridge and patiently listen to the small rumble that tells us that the ice is on its way. The ice then magically pops into our glass. Then we strain against a second button to make the water to fill the glass (or you may have to choose option 2 and endure the arduous journey over to the faucet and laboriously turn the handle). Done. In less than 30 seconds, we have our glass of ice water ready to give to someone who is thirsty. And We never had to leave the comfort of our air conditioned home.
But what was actually involved in providing a “cup of cold water” for someone in Jesus’ day? They didn’t have our magical ice dispensers nor clean tap water from the faucet. Giving someone a “cup of cold water” meant taking the trouble to walk to the well or to the stream to draw a bucket of fresh cold water, perhaps even in the heat of the day. To “provide someone with a cup of cold water” meant engaging in an act of hospitality – not something that could be done in 30 seconds without any real effort.
The principle seems to be that God asks us to go out of our way to show hospitality to others. When we do so, we are imitating Him and showing His compassion and kindness.
Unfortunately, many of us (myself included) have forgotten how to provide generous hospitality. We are too focused on our own wants to take the time to serve others in humility. What sacrifices do I need to make today to bless someone else through my hospitality?
When have you been blessed by someone else’s “unlooked for” hospitality?
Any good examples you have encountered that could spur us on in this direction?