JESUS SPEAKING

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.'” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly, do this and you will live.” But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10: 25 – 37)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In this parable, a priest and a Levite are the first two individuals to encounter the suffering stranger. Despite their status as Holy men, they exemplified ungodliness; moving on without rendering any assistance. The third man who arrived was a Samaritan (a people the Jews considered wicked, deplorable, and pagan.) And yet only the Samaritan expressed genuine compassion for the stranger. After cleaning and bandaging his wounds, he brought him to an inn and paid for his care and recovery. As Christians, we too are called to relieve the suffering of others (whenever the Lord leads.)

Like the good Samaritan, all Christians today are motivated by a desire to relieve human suffering; in whatever form it appears. For example, throughout much of the world clean drinking water is in short supply. Many sources of water in impoverished countries are polluted; and the existing wells are often too shallow and inadequate to prevent contamination from sewage; which causes death and disease. And so, in the name of Jesus Christ, many organizations have dug and built new wells in these locations; deep enough to prevent or reduce contamination. Utilizing these new sources of water they can also grow crops; which limits the effects of starvation. Like it should be, the body of Christ brings hope to others.

As Christians we must have compassion for those who are in desperate need, fulfilling our duty to prevent suffering whenever possible (without enabling those whose suffering is the result of their own sinful behavior) May we show the love of Christ to those who are struggling. Using our kindness as a testimony of God’s love, we can then offer the gospel message of repentance and salvation to those who have experienced God’s affection.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we seek to accomplish Your works in this place, so that many might be drawn to You. Give us the desire to relieve the suffering of others (whenever appropriate.) May we also express love for our family, friends, and neighbors; giving ourselves over in service to those who are struggling. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!