Ponder This: How does the parable of the Good Samaritan, highlight the importance of showing kindness to our neighbors?
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Scriptures To Consider: Luke 10:25-37
"He answered, “‘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.’ “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “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. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”"
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Reflections From The PrayerBowl Team: The parable of the Good Samaritan highlights the importance of showing kindness to our neighbors - who are not just the people that live next door but everyone we encounter. While others passed by the wounded man, the Samaritan stopped, cared for him, despite their cultural differences. This act of mercy reminds us that kindness isn't about convenience or similarity; it's about empathy- putting ourselves in someone else's place. It takes strength not weakness, to respond with mercy instead of judgement. In a world full of differences and division the real power lies in showing kindness, humility and decency to everyone we meet. That is how we show God that we truly love all our neighbors.
I just love reading scripture, especially when Jesus speaks. His words, those letters in red, are not just powerful, challenging, and full of love; they are a direct message to me. (us) The story of the Good Samaritan prompts me to ponder a great deal. As I listen to Jesus in this story, He tells me that I am to go above and beyond, showing love and kindness to all people I encounter, especially those in need. Although I often serve in my community, in my normal day-to-day life, I might be more like the priest and the Levite. If I am honest, there have been many times when I have given a wide berth to a homeless person begging for help, or if I am in a rush, I may keep my eyes focused forward and pass by someone in need. But through this parable, I am reminded to keep my eyes open to see others' needs(be aware), to stop and help (give my time), do whatever is necessary (give my effort), and even pay for the needed care (share my resources). When we live as Jesus calls us to, we bring a little bit of heaven down to earth. Showing genuine kindness to our neighbors is just one way to do this.
Parables were not for people with closed minds and calloused hearts. Jesus shares this with us in Matthew 13:13-17. The "Good Samaritan" parable can only be found in Luke. Jesus tells us he did not come to abolish the Old Testament law. He came to fulfill it and become our Savior. Our Savior cares deeply for children, the sick, the poor, and the minorities. He wanted us to know that loving one's neighbor supplanted the law. He shared His two greatest commandments: love God and love your neighbor. He used a racial minority, a Samaritan, to make his point crystal clear in this parable. We are all called to help those in need. As a family, we strive to remain consistent in our efforts to help those in need within our community. One way we support children outside our community is by sponsoring them through Compassion International. We sponsor four children in Haiti, which is a very difficult place to live. We also use our platform to share with our followers the need for sponsors. It's not only a life-changing event for the children, but it takes an immense amount of pressure off the parents. The children receive the essentials they need to thrive, including an introduction to the gospel, medical care, nutrition support, education, and so much more. Would you prayerfully consider sponsoring a child? Please click on the link to begin loving one of these children today. Compassion.com Let us know your child's name and country by emailing us at info@prayerbowls.com and we will send you a free Children's PrayerBowl of your choice.
