Most Gracious Lord, You explained to me that in order to inherit eternal life I must love the Lord my God with my whole being and love my neighbor as myself. On one occasion when an expert in the law inquired of You … who is my neighbor? Your answer was in the form of a story about a man who was on his way to Jerusalem and was badly beaten and left to die. The priest and the Levite who saw the man passed him by because they had pressing business in Jerusalem and did not have time to assist the man in his time of need. They probably felt like someone else would come by and help him. And indeed that did happen because a Samaritan (someone the Jewish people looked upon with disdain) did stop, bandaged the man’s wounds, put him upon his donkey and took him to an inn where he paid the inn keeper to look after the man. You shared this story so I would see the right way to treat others.
From this story I have learned several things that I should remember when dealing with others. First, the term “neighbor” has no limits. It includes those who do not believe as I do … those who do not treat me as they should … and those of every color, creed or social background who are in need. Second, my lack of love toward others is easy to justify even though my actions are not justifiable. And third, love calls me to act in the best interests of those who are in need. I may find myself feeling unequipped to deal with a particular problem, but I should do my best to act in sympathy and kindness. There is no good reason to refuse to help another person. The Samaritan showed mercy to the injured man (even though he did not know him) and that is how You want me to act. I was like the man on the side of the road when You came. Love motivated You to selflessly go through the things You did to save me.
Your calling asks that I show love when I am hated. To lead sinners to You when they are destined for Hell. To shine Your light into lives surrounded by darkness. And where there is fear and worry, guide them to the only One in whom they can put their trust. If they are going through despair, let me offer them the hope that You have given to me. If they are sad, help me share Your joy. I have learned by giving to others that I will reap for myself a bounty of blessings. In dying to self, I am learning to be more like You. Help me never put a priority on being consoled as to console … to be understood as to understand … and to be loved as to love. Send me forth in Your name to serve and bring the glad tidings of Your coming. I am realizing that those who mourn, have heavy burdens, and cannot see their way forward are all my neighbors and need my help. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Luke 10:25-37 The parable of the “Good Samaritan.”