A woman walked into the convenience store crying. She'd gone in to get coffee hoping it would help her stop crying. She'd just received news of a close family member's death and the tears flowed with occasional sobs. There were a dozen folks in the store and more coming and going but not one person stopped to hand her a napkin or to ask if they might help. Not one person reached out to her with caring sympathy.
A Christian believer's tender heart causes them to pause their hurriedness and speak to such a woman nearby. Jesus teaches us to listen to Holy Spirit for direction when we see someone who is upset. Care for our neighbor. Using your words which flow out of a heart filled with love for others, speak to offer help. This is what we do. Because we have been comforted we offer comfort and help to others.
Like the good Samaritan on the way, we are not to pass others by and look the other way. We are our Lord's obedient servants directed by His commandments to love God and love one another. No matter what befalls another person's life, when someone shows outwardly that they are upset then we must not pass them by without extending our Lord's caring love which is alive in us through the Holy Spirit.
29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead.
31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33 But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.
34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 The next day he took out two denarii,
gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’
36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”
37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10:29-37
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