Read Luke 10:25-37

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37 NIV)

In this parable which is told by Jesus, two people chose NOT to show compassion for the person who was robbed, beat up and left for dead. The third person showed compassion.

Jesus gives an extraordinary example and model of how to love your neighbor. This good Samaritan put the man on his donkey and took him to an inn. He gave the innkeeper money (two day’s wages) and said that he would reimburse him for extra expenses. What if everybody showed compassion when they saw somebody in need? Wow.

Look for daily opportunities to be compassionate!

Help that older person carry groceries since you’re headed the same way. Ask the employee how he’s doing and thank them for the help. Take time to check on that coworker you know isn’t doing so well or the new guy. Just be interested. Take time. Buy a meal for a homeless person. Accept and respect disagreements and differing opinions. Empathize with others. Listen to others.

Jesus said to go and do likewise. So let’s look for opportunities to show compassion – they are all around us.

In the name of Jesus Christ:

Encourage others. Show kindness. Learn how to advocate. Open the door for someone. Motivate others. Practice acts of kindness. Allocate time to bond with friends and family. Say encouraging words. Share a hug or elbow bump (2020 style). Incorporate the phrase “thank you” into your daily routine. Offer to help someone with their to-do list.

Compassion is not just an attribute of God, but also a quality of His people.

• Ruth loved her mother-in-law, Naomi, and had compassion for her. If you’ve ever heard someone called “ruthless,” it means that person is heartless. But the biblical Ruth was compassionate.
• Joseph – After being sold into slavery and then rising to power in Egypt, he showed compassion to his brothers when they came to Egypt looking for food.
• Paul – Several of Paul’s letters speak of raising money for the poor in Jerusalem.

Go and do likewise.

Tom Weckesser