"Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him 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." - Luke 10: 30-34
When should you help and when should you not? Martie and I were talking about this issue today as we considered the task facing us. The task? We are in Fort Myers, Florida today for the next few days. Talking to people involved in Disaster Relief. Driving to the areas stricken by Hurricane Ian. Wondering, "Lord, why are we here? What would you have us do? Who should be help?" So many laying in the ditch needing help.
It is easy to draw lines thinking that those on this side of the line we will help and those on the other side of the line we will not help. But what about the leading of the Lord. Is it possible that He will prompt us to "cross the line" to go to the other side of the road if you will? The side that we have already decided is out of bounds for us. The short answer is "absolutely". The priest and the Levite had decided who was worthy of their time and resources. The man in the ditch "missed the cut". They would not help him - even though he was a Jew. Instead a man that was despised by the Jews was the one to show compassion and render aid.
He fulfilled the first and second greatest commandments - I believe. He loved God and because of that love, he loved others. Showing them grace and mercy. Listen - to be like the Samaritan costs you something. Your time. Your resources. Maybe your preconceptions and predispositions. It is very possible that God will ask you to do something that you have decided that He would never ask you to do. That requires spiritual discernment. Knowing the difference between spiritual motivation and emotion.
We will be here for a few more days and then will return to Texas for a short time. When we return to Florida it will be for a season, a few months or maybe a few years, we really don't know. Hopefully, with the Lord's help, when we do we will be walking on the right side of the road.
So what is the measure that you use to decide if you should offer help to someone or not?
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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