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When Shirley Caesar sings “No Charge,” some people shed tears. The song relates how a little boy listed what he had done around the house and billed his mother $14.75. The mother then says, “For the nine months I carried you, no charge. For the nights I sat up with you, doctored you, and prayed for you; and for the time and tears you’ve cost through the years, no charge.” The song ends with, “When you add it all up, the full cost of my love is no charge.” Jesus said when He returns and sits on His glorious throne, He will commend those who have proved their faith in Him by the love they have shown others. He will say them, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world; for I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Christ commends them for their faith in Him proved by showing compassion to the “least of these.” Even though scholars differ on whether the “least of these” are Jews, Gentiles, or other needy persons, one point is clear: Our Lord is always pleased when we show compassion to those who need help.
