There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said,
"Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law?
How do you read it?"
He said in reply,
"You shall love the Lord, your God,
with all your heart,
with all your being,
with all your strength,
and with all your mind,
and your neighbor as yourself."
He replied to him, "You have answered correctly;
do this and you will live."
But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus,
"And who is my neighbor?"
Jesus replied,
"A man fell victim to robbers
as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho.
They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead.
A priest happened to be going down that road,
but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
Likewise a Levite came to the place,
and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him
was moved with compassion at the sight.
He approached the victim,
poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them.
Then he lifted him up on his own animal,
took him to an inn, and cared for him.
The next day he took out two silver coins
and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction,
'Take care of him.
If you spend more than what I have given you,
I shall repay you on my way back.'
Which of these three, in your opinion,
was neighbor to the robbers' victim?"
He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy."
Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
We are all imperfect, we all have our moments, but trying and striving for holiness is what makes Our Lord happy, and what benefits us for eternal life. This week we need to strive to be a 'good Samaritan' every day, because Jesus has asked us to do this very thing. If we are to serve God we must heed his words right? It doesn't have to be anything huge life helping a half-dead person on the road, BUT just letting someone know you care, and then praying for them as well; a text, a simple hello, or asking what's wrong. Whether its a friend or a stranger or even family this is what God is asking of us!
So ask God today to give you the compassion to not overlook others, and the grace to be merciful no matter what it means to our earthly reputation.
Here is "The Words I Would Say" by Sidewalk Prophets:
God Bless,
Sarah
