This is our B moment. Our moment to be still…to be fed by the Word of God…to be grateful.
Scripture reference: Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Today, I am thinking about how Jesus expects us to show mercy to one another.
Recently, we sent an inspiring message to our brothers and sisters in Texas who recently endured Hurricane Harvey and its grueling aftermath. We also have been watching the scenes on TV, observing everyday people helping one another. In fact, very little seems to divide us in times of tragedy.
However, Jesus teaches us that we don’t have to wait for a time of tragedy to show compassion and mercy to our brothers and sisters. This is seen particularly clearly in Jesus’ illustration of the Samaritan man.
In the story, a Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by a group of bandits. They stripped him of his money and his clothes, beat him badly, and left him for dead on the side of the road.
A Jewish priest came along, saw his injured form, and crossed over to the other side of the road. Shortly thereafter, a temple assistant walked over, looked down at the man, and then went on his way.
After some time, a Samaritan man came along, knelt down beside the injured man, soothed his wounds with medicine, bandaged him up, and paid for him to stay at an inn where he could heal even further.
When Jesus finished telling this story to a man he was teaching, he asked him which of the three men had been a neighbor to the man in need. The student quickly answered that it was the one who had shown him mercy. Jesus replied that he was correct and asked him to go out into the world and do the same.
As we’re thinking about our fellow brothers and sisters, let us cling to these words: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Please share this reflection as others desire to be inspired.
So today, take a moment to show a little more mercy and compassion.
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