PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 10:29-37
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“As he traveled… when he saw him, he took pity on him” (Luke 10:33)
For a time I was struggling to find ways to love my neighbour.
Help at a soup kitchen, volunteer at a youth shelter, visit at a nursing home or hospital.
I felt the burden and pressure of adding something ‘loving’ to my life.
But the words “as he traveled” changed the way I was thinking.
Everyday as we journey through life, we pass by people along the way.
There might be some in obvious distress, but others might appear just fine.
Yet each person I encounter along the way is someone I can love.
Be kind to a server, be patient with a worker ‘in training’, be generous as a tipper.
Be polite to a telemarketer, be friendly to someone you meet on a walk.
These are my neighbours too, yet too often I “pass by on the other side” (v.31).
If you are open and caring, it will not take long to discover people who are wounded.
They haven’t just “happened” (v.31) to cross your path, it’s a divine appointment.
A God-moment, an opportunity for me to see and to bless Jesus (Matthew 25:40).
I hear Jesus saying to me as I go through my day, “go and do likewise!” (v.37)
PRAYER
Lord, help me to notice the people I encounter each day, and to see you and to bless you in them.
“The one who had mercy on him.” I admit it. I have on many occasion passed by – not wanting to get involved or ignoring someone’s need – for whatever excuse – I passed by. I regret that and I still find occasions where I pass by. I find myself not so available – ready to be able to respond – especially when there is only a moment to do so. One thing I can do is pray for the person that I notice – especially those on the street – pray for him or her in her situation. In some cases simply acknowledging them – they are my neighbour. Help me Lord to be more ready and responsive – listening to your prodding!
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Lord Jesus, I confess that many times I have not been merciful to those you brought along my journey.
Help me Lord to be more compassionate and merciful and be a neighbour pleasing to your sight to everyone I encounter in my journey.
Treat your neighbour as you treat yourself.
And my neighbour is all who I meet and greet. I am His ambassador at all times and must show that in how I treat others – sharing the love of God.
Make me a servant
Humble and meek
Lord let me lift up
Those who are weak
And may the prayer
Of my heart always be
Make me a servant
Make me a servant
Make me a servant today