A local Christian church left an empty red bag on our doorstep with a note asking for food donations. I took it inside and tossed it on the kitchen counter, mentally excusing myself from assisting because: A. It wasn’t my church, B. I’d just finished a similar project, and C. I had a zillion things to do.
The next morning when I was reading the story of the Good Samaritan, I thought, Thank God I’m not like those people who ignored that desperate man. And then the red bag caught my eye.
I felt a lot like the priest who, “when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road” (Luke 10:31). The priest kept his distance. Then the temple worker essentially stopped for a nanosecond and said, “Looks like you’re pretty banged up there,” shrugged, and wandered off.
Finally, the Samaritan showed up, and “when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him” (v.33). Jesus’ parable showed that compassion—not just good works—separated the Samaritan from the coldhearted religious people who strolled on by.
True Christian service flows from compassion. Jesus continually responded to human suffering with a caring heart. “Jesus wept” (John 11:35), and then He resuscitated Lazarus. “When the Lord saw [the widow], His heart overflowed with compassion” (Luke 7:13), and He brought her son back to life. Jesus “saw the huge crowd . . . and He had compassion on them” (Mark 6:34), so He began teaching them.
If you’ve become indifferent to the needs of others, will you open your eyes and heart to the “red bags”? Jesus lifted up the Good Samaritan as an example of a compassionate helper, and He gave us this charge: “Go and do the same” (Luke 10:37).
More:
You must be compassionate, just as Your Father is compassionate (Luke 6:36).
Next:
Is your ministry based on a heart of compassion? Why do you think God wants us to help people—caring truly for their needs?
phil on August 5, 2009 at 1:09 am
i absolutely agree.
marcia.arumugam on August 5, 2009 at 8:45 am
In today’s world, its rare to find such souls where they are willing and ready to go beyond their daily lives to do what the Good Samaritan did.
I believe if we only put our mind to make charity our utmost task daily, we will be able to be a Samaritan, each one of us.
I truly seek to do the Lord’s will. May God give us the strength to do much more for the glory of His Kingdom.
Amen
dr.lightsey on August 5, 2009 at 10:59 am
Oh, that we would have the genuine concern that’s necessary to make a difference in the lives of others. It is that genuine concern, that compassion, that moves us to step out of ourselves and into the lives of others. Lord, please help me to take advantage of each opportunity to help someone as I travel along this earthly journey.
peg on August 6, 2009 at 10:29 am
If this is the Dr Lightsey I think it is, you were very instrumental in helping my son try to get into college. And….enjoyed your church as well. Thanks, Peggy
nlpkwt on August 5, 2009 at 2:15 pm
It is so important to remind ourselves about this.
Thank you for such a beautiful reminder.
boakyewaa on August 5, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Compassion, compassion, compassion. Thats definitely the difference, isnt it? I’ve always questioned how people can look at other people suffering and not feel sorry, not wish they could do more. Granted, we cant do everything, but shouldn’t your heart at least stir with sorrow at others’ plight?
Today’s online daily bread also asked, how is your heart? Compassion flows from the heart, we need to remember our hearts too.
jennifer benson schuldt on August 6, 2009 at 9:20 am
Yes, compassion is the difference! I really had to check myself as I thought through my ministry involvement, both now and in the past. What was my motivation? Trying to earn God’s favor or true caring for other people?