A Petals of Wisdom Devotion

By Elizabeth Livingston

Jesus tells a beautiful parable in Luke 10:25-37. It’s a story of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, and while on the way he is robbed of everything he had, including his clothing. He is beaten and left half dead alongside the road.

First a priest comes by but he shows no love or compassion for the man and passes him on the other side of the road. Next, a Levite comes by and does exactly the same thing. He too passes by on the other side of the road without showing any mercy to the man. Finally, a Samaritan comes by and helps the injured man.

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.” Luke 10:33-34 NIV

The Samaritan dresses the man’s wounds with wine and oil, puts the man on his animal and takes him to an inn for a time of healing—and pays the innkeeper with his own money. He then tells the innkeeper to take good care of the man, and promises to pay for any extra expenses.

Through this parable, Jesus tells us to follow the example of Good Samaritan in our lives.

There are many around us who need the touch of Jesus, His love and compassion. Needy, hungry, homeless, unloved, broken-hearted and abandoned people cross our paths all the time. Jesus loves them and we are called to show His love to them. Jesus wants us to reach them by being His hands and feet. He wants us to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves. He wants us to defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Will you follow the example of the Good Samaritan? Will you be the hands and feet of Jesus? Will you “love your neighbor as you love yourself” (Mark 12:31)?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Please help me live a life which reflects your kindness and goodness. Give me a compassionate and serving heart to stop by the people who need your touch today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

Meet The Arthor

Elizabeth writes to encourage others through God’s Word and her life experiences. She writes to point people to the hope and love of Jesus in the midst of their trials. She is a wife, mother and a budding writer who wants to reflect God’s love, truth, and grace through her words. She lives in Trivandrum, Kerala, India with her husband Nevin, and children Asher and Athalie. Stop by her blog Wings of Faith to learn more or connect with her on Facebook & Twitter.

 

 

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Thank you for joining us. I’m excited to jump into God’s word with you and study the Fruits of Kindness & Goodness! This article is a part of our current series, Sweet Smelling Fruit—Cultivating a Heart that Lives by the Spirit. Right now we are taking a closer look at kindness and goodness.

Is this your first time here? I invite you to join us as we dig in to learn more about the Fruits of the Spirit!  Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to stay up to date on future posts and when new freebies become available. 

~Kelly