Day 4: Care for Strangers

In some ways, our world is more connected than ever. We can easily speak with a person on the other side of the world from us. A simple text to a family member can remind them to bring milk home from work. But in other ways, it’s quite the opposite. Sometimes, it seems the ease of digital connection has made human interaction more difficult and less natural. We go through our daily lives interacting with the same people in the same ways, and we keep our heads down.

The parable of the Good Samaritan urges us out of our comfort. The priest and the Levite in the story kept their heads down and walked by. If we’re honest, it’s easier not to look, isn’t it? But the Samaritan didn’t do what was easy. The passage says, “when he saw him, he took pity on him.” He saw the man and made him a priority.

This is a beautiful picture of what Jesus has done for us. We’ve all been the person needing help in this story. God doesn’t look away when we’re in need; He sees us, and then He helps us. And that’s what He calls us to do for others.

Helping someone in need is rarely convenient. However, we can really see what God can do through us when we embrace the opportunities He sends us, regardless of our own agenda.

Where do you need to lift your gaze and notice? Be generous with kindness this week. Release control and allow God to interrupt you.