WWJDSample

Jesus Teaches Us Kindness

Think back on a time in your life when you were in the position to help someone in need. Did you give them a hand, or did you leave that person to be attended by someone else? In Luke 10, we find an individual who was robbed, beaten, and left for dead. This man was on his way to Jerusalem when he was stripped of all he had. Multiple people passed by him, but only one person stopped to actually care for him. Luke 10:34 (NIV) says, “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.” This helper is known as The Good Samaritan, who not only stopped in his tracks to bandage this wounded man, but went out of his way to take him where he could be treated further.

This was one of the many parables Jesus taught, and it shows us how we should treat someone in need. After sharing the parable, Jesus asked the listeners who the neighbor was in this story. In Luke 10:37 (NLT) we read their response: “The man replied, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Then Jesus said, ‘Yes, now go and do the same.’”

Jesus used the Good Samaritan as an example of how we can treat others with kindness. As you go throughout this week, ask the Holy Spirit to help you be mindful of those around you. If you see a need, don’t neglect it, and watch how God can shine His kindness through you!