S ~ So which of these three was a neighbor to him who fell among thieves? And he said "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise". Luke 10:36-37.
O ~ The priest and the levite saw the person in need and did nothing. Well, they did do something....they intentionally avoided him! The Samaritan, the half Jew, the mongrel, the half breed, the one who was not pure, showed mercy. Perhaps not only did the priest and levite choose to not help, they may not have wanted to get their hands dirty. The Samaritan was willing to get dirty, pay a price, get involved, because of his heart. Mercy isn't mercy until it is shown!
A ~ I want to be someone who not only has a merciful heart, but one who shows mercy. I want to choose to not give people the judgement they deserve. And when people have received hard things in life, I want to be a help, BRINGING THEM TO A PLACE OF RESTORATION (the inn of the good Samaritan).
P ~ Father, please help me to be a neighbor who demonstrates mercy, not just one who talks about it. I realize that I am a Samaritan - a half breed, a mongrel, a gentile who has found Christ; may I remember that I can help those around me. Even when it costs me to be that merciful neighbor.
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