The expert in the law who was thinking to test Jesus on the nuances of eternal life probably didn’t think that he’d be asking Jesus that question. I’m not sure the expert was ready for Jesus’ answer.
For days now, I’ve been reflecting on the Good Samaritan parable (Luke 10:25-37, NIV).
Today I’m realizing how hard and vast a teaching it is: how are we able to “do” mercy – love our neighbour – if we aren’t or can’t be merciful with ourselves? And being merciful with ourselves – loving ourselves rightly, only happens in and out of the context of loving God with all our heart, soul, strength and might. It happens when we connect with His divine mercy and unknowable love. It happens in worship.
But if this is so (and it is), I wonder how easy, or hard, it was for the priest and Levite (lead worshippers of their day) to pass by the wounded man. How could they? I confess that it’s easy for me to pass by. I’d rather pray than put out – money, a meal, my time.
In his words on love, Paul warns that speaking in the tongues of humans and of angels, or having gifts that operate in the context of worship like prophecy and faith, are nothing without love.
Here’s the rub for you and I though: “doing” the Good Samaritan is also not enough – if we are not compelled by love. Faith without works is dead, yes. Works without love, even more so. “If I give all I possess to the poor … but have not love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13: 3 (NIV) We are not able to truly serve until we truly love.
Love is hard work; a work of will, surrender, humility. It is a renovation of your heart and mine that begins when we choose intimacy; when we choose to worship God and when we choose to love ourselves. It is work that enables us to stop and offer what we have to the next walking wounded we meet.
May you become a good neighbour as Triune God inspires your worship and your service.
Marc and Kim Wyatt capture the smiles of children in Canada as they receive new book bags and school supplies.