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“And Jesus said to him, “You go and do likewise.”  Luke 10:37b (ESV)

We’re probably all familiar with the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25 – 37).  I’ve heard it so many times, in fact I heard a message on it recently. But this past week, this passage of scripture was one I was reading, studying and unpacking.  And right in the middle of all my familiarity was a truth I had overlooked before.

Luke 10:34 states, “He (the Samaritan) went to him (injured man)  and bound up his wounds pouring on oil and wine.  Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.”

My version of this story only remembered the Samaritan taking the injured man to an inn and offering to pay the innkeeper whatever it cost to take care of him until he returned.  And that is true, the Samaritan did pay the innkeeper substantially.  However, I overlooked the part where the Samaritan stayed overnight and took care of the man.  One simple sentence yet packed full of mercy, compassion and truth.

As we move into the holiday season, we will be presented with many opportunities to reach out to people and our easy go to is to simply give money. Donating requires no loss of time just an emptying of our purse.  But what if we intentionally chose to be like the Samaritan and got personally involved.  Let’s not allow COVID to be our excuse this year.  We can grab our mask, practice social distancing and still touch the heart of someone. Many organizations like the Daily Bread have all the safe protocols in place and are eager to welcome volunteers.

If a person to person contact is not advisable for your health, then consider sending a card or verse to someone.  A simple phone call can be a great soul lifter to those who live alone.  Baking a sweet treat or even picking up one from a local bakery and leaving it on a doorstep speaks volume in our world where kindness seems distant.  And what about all those health care workers, firemen, police officers, etc. who have served unselfishly during the pandemic putting their lives at risk. I can only imagine the smile on their tired faces when someone remembers them with an act of kindness.

2020 has been a hard, challenging year for us all. I can’t think of a better time to encourage others than right now.    The list is endless……getting involved isn’t always pretty but it is definitely worth it. Spread some joy into someone’s holiday season – it’s the best way to end 2020!

“Father, You have set the example now help us to go and do likewise.  Open our eyes to the possibilities of showering others with Your kindness this holiday season.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life