Text:
Luke 10:30–37
Memory Verse:
“So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him” (Luke 10:34).
Giving is the transfer of possession of something tangible or intangible to somebody without receiving value in return. It could be voluntary or involuntary. People give for different reasons. Some give because they are instructed to do so while some give to attract attention to themselves. Yet, there are those who give out of genuine love and care. This is the type of giving exemplified by the Good Samaritan. Jesus gave this illustration in order to show us the type of giving that God approves. The Good Samaritan showed genuine compassion for the wounded and distressed Jew who had been neglected by his fellow Jews, a priest and a Levite.
The Good Samaritan did this, notwithstanding that Samaritans were despised
by the Jews, who considered themselves to be of a superior stock. He understood that, like Jesus, there should be no discrimination or partiality in
love. The Good Samaritan saw the wounded Jew as his brother, from the same
stock of Abraham. Hence, moved by compassion and love, he willingly shared
his attention, time and material possession with him.
Giving in love demands personal commitment and determination to share; no
excuses to avoid giving help or expending oneself to relieve others in need. It
demands selfless sacrifice. As a believer in Christ, you should not exhibit
hardness of heart, indifference and passivity towards those in need. “But
whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his
heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1John 3:17)
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, forgive me for exhibiting hardness of heart and indifference towards the needy.
2. Heavenly Father, help me to identify needs and willingly give to meet them.
