W@W WRAP – Week 301

Loving those in your path!

Read:

Luke 10:25-37 (NIV): “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered,” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind‘; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Act:

Let us be determined this week to:

Reflect on the meaning of ‘doing likewise’ in today’s world. What would that look like in each of our lives? May we notice the needs around us quickly and trust our Lord to show us exactly who He wants us to care for and how to meet their needs. Sometimes, meeting a need is a one-time occurrence and a chance to be a witness for our Lord. Other times, it involves meeting an ongoing need and having the opportunity to be an influence for many years. So many people in today’s world are confused about who God truly is, or they are cynical about the work of Christians. However, our sincere care could bring people to a greater understanding of the love of our Lord and the love that His people have for one another. As we meet the needs of hurting people, similarly to the Good Samaritan, may we have the chance to engage in ‘friendship evangelism’…. Making friends, being a friend, and bringing our friends to Jesus. Oftentimes listening to a hurting heart and building trust can lead to open conversations about the most sensitive of issues.

Remember that our obedience to God’s will for our lives is of the utmost importance. May we all take time to reflect on our priorities. What is truly most important in our lives? Is our agenda aligned with God’s? May we always put God first, follow obediently where He leads us, and focus on what He asks us to do. The person in our path may not be of our choosing, but he or she is of God’s choosing, and we can trust Him with every detail of our lives. This may require that we reflect and evaluate our lives and actions. Are we living according to God’s will, or are we trying to justify our actions based on our own understanding or the world’s patterns? Are we focusing on ourselves and our own convenience, or are we considering the needs of others? Are we willing to spare no expense in time or finances when it comes to the gain of others?

Clothe ourselves with Christ. It is written in Galatians 3:27 (NIV), “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” As we care for the people the Lord has placed in our path, whether within our household or beyond, may we remember our ‘clothing’ – Christ in us and us in Him! As we help others in the marketplace and at home, they will notice our character, concern, words and manners. They will want what we have. So, may we continually remember 1 Peter 3:15 (AMP), “Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.”

Simply love those that the Lord has put in our path. In Romans‬ 13:8‬ (NLT), we read, “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbour, you will fulfil the requirements of God’s law.” May this truth propel us into action today! As we have looked at the example of the Good Samaritan, may we ‘go and do likewise,’ showing God’s love and kindness to the world around us, glowing with Jesus in every encounter.

Pray:

Father God, thank You that through this parable, You remind us to reflect You in each and every way, and to everyone. Thank You for planting in us the knowledge of Your love. Strengthen us and guide us even in the most difficult times – when we don’t feel like helping someone or believe that someone is worth helping. Spur us on and help us to incline our ear to those who need us. May we show true love just as You did, to everyone around us. You are the source of love and we can be filled by You as we give to others.