Love MercySample

Have you ever heard a story where the character you thought was the villain ends up being the good guy? This happens in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus shared this parable after a man asked, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus didn’t just answer the man with a quick fact or definition. He told a story. Compassion is active in real life; not just theories to sit around and discuss. Sometimes mercy is difficult to live out. Jesus didn’t shy away from this truth.

When Jesus tells of the man mugged and beaten, left for dead on the road, the two passers-by have no excuse. They are this man’s same religion and race, and they hold leadership positions. But the one who stops and has mercy on him was different, one who was looked down upon socially. Yet, the Samaritan didn’t let those differences, or the deep-seeded cultural hatred, stop him from being merciful.

Mercy is compassion put into action. It’s not enough that we feel sympathy in our hearts. We have to be people who keep our eyes open for others in need and overcome the barriers that might keep us from helping.

Reflection Questions:

The story of the Good Samaritan shows us that mercy is often messy and inconvenient. What messy spaces in your life are God calling you to act mercifully? Ask God for help in these spaces.

In the parable, prejudice could have stopped the Samaritan from being merciful. Take a moment to be honest: Are there people in your life with whom you would not give or receive mercy because of a bias you hold? Ask God to help you to be more merciful.