Jeremiah 7:5-7 — “If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless, or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever.”

God really cares about how we treat other people. In fact, the way we treat others is a direct indication of our relationship with God Himself.

Recently, I read a “loved it/hated it” historical novel. I couldn’t put it down, but the story was horrifying. It involved the despicable treatment of orphans in the early to mid-1900s.

Helpless orphaned children were deposited into an institution where they were treated with disrespect and cruelty. This particular storyline was fiction, but it was based on real historical events where children were being sold to unsuspecting adoptive parents.

I think we would all agree that these types of actions are criminal, but according to God, any mistreatment of those in need also indicates a callous heart.

The people of Jeremiah’s time believed they would be safe from invading armies because they spent time in the temple “worshiping” God. But the Lord warned that no amount of outward religious posturing would save them. He knew their hearts were self-centered. And their oppression of the helpless for selfish gain proved they had drifted far from the Lord.

James 1:27 states: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: To look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

The way we treat others, especially those who cannot return the favor, doesn’t bring us into a relationship with God, but it proves we already belong to God and have His heart for others.

Jeremiah warned his people that they must reform their ways. Outward displays of religion weren’t enough. Their wrongful treatment of others revealed their true colors, and only a change of heart could modify their dismal future.

How about us? Are we relying on our pristine church attendance or other surface actions to feel confident in our relationship with God? If we are treating others badly, then we are only kidding ourselves. A true relationship with God found in the Lord Jesus Christ will transform our selfish outlook.

Every day it will become more natural to treat others, especially those with great needs, with kindness and compassion. This heart of love will be the best indicator of our relationship with God.

If we love God we will do what He wants – and He really, really cares about how we treat others.

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com.