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Reflection 04 · Action & Impact
Love has somewhere to be.
The story
A man asks Jesus who counts as his neighbor. Jesus tells of a traveler who is attacked, robbed, and left badly injured. A priest and a Levite each pass by. A Samaritan sees him, has compassion, and stops. He treats the man’s wounds, takes him to an inn, and pays for his care. Jesus identifies the one who showed mercy as the neighbor and calls the questioner to act likewise.
Why it matters
The Samaritan’s compassion becomes a commitment of time, effort, and money. Jesus makes him the example of neighborly love across a divide between communities.
We apply this by paying attention to people we might otherwise overlook. A teammate, coworker, family member, or stranger may need help we can offer. We cannot meet every need, but we can respond with mercy to the person in front of us, including when helping is inconvenient or brings no recognition.
Try this week
- Whose need have you noticed but left unanswered?
- What assumption or inconvenience might be keeping you from responding?
- What useful help can you offer this week, and how will you follow through?
I will help ______ by ______ before ______, without expecting ______ in return.
Go further
Sources: Luke 10:25–37 (NIV)
Built on Him. Built to become.