What Do We Do?

How far would we go to save a human life? How far are we willing to travel? How much are we willing to sacrifice to share God's love with those in need?

There are several scenarios playing themselves out in the world these days. Each one of them requires an answer to these questions.

How do we react when we see people who have lost everything in the recent hurricane? And have our hearts become numb to the scenes of war in Europe and the violent crime on our city streets?

These are all questions that need to be answered. How we answer them defines us in the eyes of The Lord.

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him." - Luke 10:30-34

That's quite a to-do list for the Christian!

I have a friend who recently lost her job through no fault of her own. The company she worked for closed its doors. How should I respond to someone who is uncertain of the future? How can I convey hope to the hopeless?

Look at the Samaritan. 

The Samaritan went to where the person was. I should visit my friend.

The Samaritan took pity on the person. So should I. 

The Samaritan bandaged the persons wounds. I should pray with my friend and encourage her with words of hope.

The Samaritan provided lodging by taking him to an inn. What does that look like today? Money for rent until my friend finds another job? Yes.

The Samaritan took care of the person. He paid for everything. And so should I. "Let's go grocery shopping." "Let's go out to lunch."

We can watch the news and feel sorry for people, or we can actually DO something to help them.

Make a donation to the Red Cross or Samaritan's Purse. Pray for the victims of a storm or war. Help those who need it in a tangible, meaningful way.

One last thing. The Samaritans and the Jews in Jesus' day did not like each other. Would you be willing to help even your enemies?

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Do this and you will live.” - Luke 27-28