Does God speak in hyperbole?
Is He prone to exaggeration and blathering?

No.
When God promises a reward for even an offered cup of cold water He means to give it.
But, the reward tells me that it means something to God, personally to Him, that we think of the thirsty around us.

In most of Africa water is central to the rhythm of life.
Each morning begins with the same ritual, carrying water.
Each evening these women and their children walk along the well worn path they follow every single day of the year, carrying water.

When we went to the village of Bilisinga for a Women’s Day I noticed a large cup being passed along among the women and children sitting on a bench. Each mother drank and gave some to her children, quietly passing the cup to the one seated next to her. This precious commodity means life in this village and tens of thousands of others like it across the continent.

You and I never have to look far to find someone nearby in need of a little refreshment.

It’s not the grand gestures God is speaking about. The large monetary gift or the selling of all we possess. He has shown us the depth of His compassion and care by reminding how easy it is to be used as an instrument of God. You don’t need a pulpit or a missionary trip.

A heart of kindness and love will never be without a cup of cold water for those in need.

And even though you didn’t do it for a reward, God will always remember your good deeds.

And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.
Matthew 10:42

For God is not unrighteous to forget or overlook your labor and the love which you have shown for His name’s sake in ministering to the needs of the saints (His own consecrated people), as you still do.
Hebrews 6:10

~ This photo blessed me so much I wanted to share it with you. The little boy is excitedly sharing something and the mothers and children seem to be taking a moment from the laundry to enjoy his story.