36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37 ESV)
How are we providing for others? Or are we just providing for ourselves?
It is easy to pull back and just think of ourselves, especially when economic times are hard. But we were built to be a body of believers, helping one another and helping those outside the body who have need. In doing so we minister to those who have God and those who may not have God yet. We show Christ love to them when we help.
However, the world is a hard and selfish place. It prioritizes the one over the many. It glorifies the successful while completely overlooking the needy. We build monuments to ourselves while people hurt, go hungry and are discarded by society. Our elderly die alone, our homeless remain in poverty and we live within our bubbles.
In the story of the Good Samaritan the “good” people passed him by, but the Samaritan, who in this period Jews would have nothing to do with, stops to help. Not only does he help, he puts the wounded man up in an inn and pays for his needs until he returns.
Reflect on: Would you have passed the Samaritan by or stopped to help? Really think on this today.
