Have mercy on others

17 March 

Read Luke 10:30-37 and reflect on the passage.

Growing up, I remember a neighbor lady who lived across the street. She lived alone and was terrified of thunderstorms. Whenever a storm arose, she called our house and one of us girls had to go stay with her till it passed. I hated it. I would beg my sisters to go in my place, but when it was my turn, I had to go. I remember once saying I would go, and then heading in the opposite direction to a friend’s house, knowing she would be terrified, but I didn’t care. I forgot I was her neighbor.

Jesus tells a story about someone who gets beat up and left for dead. Those who should have stopped and cared for him walked on by, but the very one who should not stop does. Why? Because he sees the man simply as a person in need—as a neighbor. When Martin Luther translated the Bible from Latin to German, he had two German words from which to choose for the word neighbor. One meant “the person next door,” the other “the person in need.” He chose the second. Loving with all our heart is being a neighbor to those in need.

Questions

1. Recall a time when you failed to show mercy to one in need. Lord have mercy.

2. Recall a time when you embraced someone else’s need whole-heartedly with compassion and care. What was the difference from the first instance?

Prayer

Merciful God, open our eyes to those around us who are hurting and in need. Show us how to be a neighbor, through Jesus’ mercy.

—Patti Morlock

Caring Testimony to Love

"But a Samaritan...had compassion...he took care of him..." (Luke 10:33,34)

The story of the Good Samaritan is familiar to most of us and the true picture of care. The Samaritan never met this injured man but felt compelled to help him. What a testimony of love for fellow-man.

As we learn about walking around the block with someone who hasn't met Jesus yet, care is one of our focuses. After inviting someone into a relationship which is subtle and genuine, we begin to care about them as people and as friends.

Once we have prayed about this and have asked God to show us who He is preparing for this journey with us, we can begin. For walking around the block is a journey that begins with an invitation and then becomes more personal. We can begin caring for this person, or these people before we officially meet them. Part of sharing our faith is praying for guidance, wisdom, and discernment. And because God is faithful, He will honor our prayers and start working before we do.

I found it helpful to remember who first walked me around the block. How did they invite me into their life? What did my life look like after that? How did they care for me? One woman, instrumental in my faith development, had the gift of encouragement. I was at a point in my life when I did not feel necessary or valid. This woman took the time to teach me that I was important. She went on to let me know in different ways, how she wanted to spend time with me.

At that point in my life, her care was vital. Her loving care changed my world forever. Now, can you put this example into your story? Is there something to be duplicated? If it worked for me and for you, why not for them?

Luke 10:30-37