Compassion In Action

“‘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.’”
Luke 10:36-37 (NIV)

When you show mercy, you receive the blessing of your good Father.

You may not be familiar with today’s verse, but once you discover how it can change your life, I don’t think you’ll soon forget it. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the story of a Jewish man who is beaten, robbed, and left on the side of the road for dead. After two religious leaders ignore the man, someone from Samaria picks him up, tends to his wounds, and takes care of him – paying all expenses. 

Jesus then asks a Jewish law expert which of the three people who saw the man on the road was truly his neighbor, to which the expert in the law replies, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus says that mercy is compassion in action. 

Showing mercy is not just caring about someone’s hurt and heartache; it is caring enough to do something about it. When you listen to someone’s pain, give food or clothing, and show kindness instead of judgment, you are not just sharing the gospel, you are living the gospel. 

Jesus’ story also highlights the kind of people you are to show mercy to. In the time of Jesus, Jews considered Samaritans unclean and unworthy. This Samaritan was generous, not only to a stranger but to someone who despised him.

Think about your neighbors. Which ones seem easy to show mercy to? You are not called to be kind to those who are kind to you. You are to show mercy – compassion in action – to those who are difficult, angry, ungrateful, and mean.  

Why? Because that is who you were when Jesus picked you up, tended to your wounds, and paid all expenses for your recovery and healing. You were His enemy when He had mercy on you. Now you are His child, and when you are merciful, you join Him in bandaging the wounds of those who have been beaten and robbed by life. And Jesus promises that you will receive His blessing. 

Prayer: Father, When I was helpless and wounded, You saw my need, picked me up, and paid all expenses for my healing and freedom on the cross. Thank You for having mercy on me when I was Your enemy. May I offer that same mercy to my family, friends, and neighbors. In Jesus’ name, Amen.