A Note

From Pastor Mark

“and who is my neighbor?”  Luke 10:25-37

When we hear the story of the Good Samaritan, we all want to be like that one who stopped to help the injured man. But deep inside of us there rises a sense of guilt that too often perhaps we are like the others who looked the other way.

It is true that today with the media spreading the stories of violence, we wonder how wise it is to stop and help strangers. On the other hand, we have heard many stories of busloads of college students, adults, and families heading south to help victims of hurricanes and flooding in the south.  Neighbors who are not next door but those with a need to be show mercy.

And stories of famous people as well as ordinary people who have gone to Africa to raise the standard of life and education for the people who have had AIDS thrust upon their population.

In this parable of the Good Samaritan, I believe God is calling us to look past ethnicity, skin color, economic status, and see the needs of God’s beloved people.

God wants us to be the hands and feet that carry compassion and/or financial help to those who are desperately in need.

Is there someone you know who needs a kind word or a little gentle attention?

Is there someone you know who seems angry at the world, and perhaps even at himself/ herself that could see a model of Jesus’ love in you, and experience forgiveness for their attitude through you?

Can you see a mission field in which you could participate?

Who do you consider a neighbor in your life? Has your perspective changed after considering Jesus’ words?

Jesus reminds us that a neighbor is the one who showed mercy. I believe that he is calling us to move outside our comfort level and do something to improve someone’s world.

It is so easy to pass judgment on people about why they behave as they do based on what is acceptable to us.

We need to think beyond that and wonder what injustice they must have experienced to cause their lack of gratitude, peace, and joy.

It’s not too late for someone to be accepted and loved by you. We can let it be the other person’s decision whether to accept our kindness or not. Spread joy, first within our own heart, then outside and beyond.

God bless you on your journey as the one who shows mercy!

I’ll look forward to hearing your stories of faith.

Pastor Mark

Email Pastor Mark:  pastormark@sotpmail.com