In the mid-20th century, Calcutta was marred by extreme poverty, overpopulation, and unsanitary living conditions.
Mother Teresa, born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, felt a deep calling to alleviate the suffering she witnessed daily.
In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation dedicated to serving the poor and marginalized.
Her mission centered on preventing hunger despite limited resources. She and her fellow sisters established soup kitchens in city slums, prioritizing the areas with the greatest need.
Mother Teresa’s approach was about providing food and offering love and dignity to those she served. She believed that everyone deserved respect and care regardless of their circumstances.
As she distributed food, she would often kneel to look into the eyes of those she was serving, offering a smile, a kind word, and a touch of compassion.
Facing the food crisis
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Hunger is a global crisis. World Vision reports: “As many as 828 million people—about 10% of the global population—regularly go to bed hungry.
Economic shocks, extreme weather events, and conflicts like the war in Ukraine have restricted global food supplies, driven up prices, and presented a threat to vulnerable populations and countries.”
The Christian duty to feed the hungry is a deeply rooted and universal obligation based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus explicitly highlights the importance of providing for those in need, emphasizing that we are serving Him by doing so. This biblical mandate is the foundation for countless acts of compassion and charity carried out by Christians worldwide.
Borders or cultural differences do not confine this duty; it transcends geographical boundaries, making it a calling for Christians globally.
It inspires believers to address the hungry’s immediate needs while advocating for systemic change to combat the root causes of hunger and poverty.
Christian organizations like Bread for the World in the United States work tirelessly to influence government policies, promoting economic justice and equitable access to resources.
Christian duty, originating in faith, embraces inclusivity by collaborating with diverse beliefs for humanitarian aid.
Beyond providing food, Christian initiatives empower marginalized communities through education and skills training, prioritizing sustainable solutions.
Healthcare is crucial, as faith-based providers offer medical care in underserved areas, reflecting the holistic nature of Christian service.
Loving others: A great commandment
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:17-18
A man and woman eating outdoors. (Photo by MART PRODUCTION from Pexels)
Feeding the hungry
Imagine a person who has an abundance of food resources.
He encounters a neighbor going through a rough financial patch and struggling to put food on the table for their family. He may also see a malnourished beggar plying the streets.
If the person with resources shared some of their food or offers to help buy groceries for their neighbor, they exemplify the kind of love mentioned in the passage.
Giving some money to beggars to the impoverished, is an act of kindness. It’s not just about charity; it’s actively addressing someone’s immediate needs.
Supporting a friend in crisis
Consider a scenario where a close friend is going through a difficult emotional period, battling depression or anxiety.
Instead of merely offering words of comfort, another friend takes practical steps to be there for them.
They spend time listening, encourage professional help if needed, or help with daily tasks to alleviate some of the burden. This notion demonstrates love in deeds and truth, as actions speak louder than words.
Mentoring and education
In a broader context, individuals with knowledge and education can demonstrate love by sharing their expertise with those without access to such resources.
For instance, a skilled professional might volunteer to mentor underprivileged youth, helping them acquire valuable skills and knowledge for a better future.
Community Outreach
Churches and religious organizations often engage in outreach programs.
When they provide shelter for people experiencing homelessness and distribute food to people experiencing poverty, they embody the message of the Scriptures. Their actions reflect the love of God within their community.
Feed the hungry: Biblical examples
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” – Matthew 25:35
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
One of the most famous miracles in the Bible is the feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus multiplied a few loaves of bread and fish to feed a large crowd (Matthew 14:13-21).
It demonstrates Christ’s power and willingness to provide for the hungry, setting an example for His followers to follow suit.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan:
In Luke 10:30-37, Jesus tells the story of a compassionate Samaritan who assists a wounded man by the roadside. This illustrates the importance of helping those in need, regardless of their social or cultural background.
It encourages Christians to be actively involved in alleviating suffering.
Manna in the desert
God’s benevolence shines through in times of dire need and hunger, just as it did for the Israelites in the desert.
In Exodus 16:4-15, we witness God’s compassionate response to their plight. He bestowed manna and quail upon them, sustaining their bodies and spirits.
It is a testament to the enduring truth that all creatures turn to the divine for sustenance.
Christian feeding programs and volunteerism
1. Food pantries. Christian churches and organizations often operate food pantries to distribute groceries and meals to needy people. These pantries provide a lifeline for individuals and families facing food insecurity.
For instance, the Salvation Army operates food banks worldwide, serving millions of people each year.
2. Soup kitchens. Many churches and Christian organizations run soup kitchens that offer hot meals to homeless individuals and low-income families. These kitchens nourish the body and a sense of community for those who may feel isolated.
3. Missionary work. Christian missionaries worldwide work tirelessly to provide food and support to impoverished communities. They often engage in sustainable agricultural projects to empower local populations to grow their food.
4. Disaster relief. Christian relief organizations like World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse respond to natural disasters by providing emergency food supplies to affected communities. They not only meet immediate needs but also assist in long-term recovery efforts.
5. Volunteering. Countless Christians volunteer their time and resources to serve in various capacities, from preparing meals at shelters to delivering groceries to elderly neighbors. These acts of kindness demonstrate the practical application of Christian teachings.
A call and duty: ‘Serving the Least of these’
A group of children. (Photo by Safari Consoler from Pexels)
“The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40
The Great Commandment tells us to love God above all, our neighbors, and ourselves. When we practice and embody this primary law and instruction from Him, we fulfill our duty as Christians.
Loving others equally or more remarkable than ourselves is an excellent challenge for our selfish and fleshly mortality. Still, the sinless Christ volunteered His life to save the whole of humanity,
In the Psalms 104:27-28, we are reminded that God, in His infinite mercy and kindness, never withholds His bounty.
With an ever-open hand, He nourishes His creations at the appointed time. This profound and unwavering divine care reassures us of God’s steadfast love and providence.
“Serving the least of these” is not just a noble ideal; it’s a Christian duty deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus.
Ultimately, helping feed the hungry is minuscule compared to our Great Provider’s daily blessings.
Let us make the world better, one meal at a time.
More from Crossmap: From feast to famine: Unveiling the grim realities of the global food crisis
Republished with permission from Blogs.crossmap.com, featuring inspiring Bible verses about ‘Serving the least of these’: A Christian duty to feed the hungry.
