“The One Who Showed Him Mercy”

Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him, and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Luke 10:30-37

It is easy to find reasons for not getting involved when someone needs our help. You know the list as well as I. Busyness, indifference, and fear are usually at the top. And yet, Jesus has showed us His mercy. If we want to be like Him, we have to care about our fellow man. If we take just one chance, God will open the door for us to help in more and more ways.

Jesus commended the man who acted out of compassion even though it was inconvenient, difficult, and costly to do so. Will you do the same?

True compassion puts love into action.

Our Daily Bread – July 30, 2009