How can we "go and do likewise" in our daily interactions with others? The Heart of the Command Luke 10:37: “Then Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” The Lord is not suggesting an occasional random act of kindness; He’s calling us to make Samaritan-like mercy our normal operating system. What the Samaritan Actually Did • Saw the wounded man and allowed compassion to interrupt his schedule (v. 33). • Drew near—closed the distance that fear or prejudice keeps open (v. 34). • Provided hands-on care with what he had—oil, wine, bandages (v. 34). • Lifted the man onto his own animal—shared his resources sacrificially (v. 34). • Brought him to an inn and stayed the night—offered ongoing presence (v. 34–35). • Covered future costs—committed to finish what he started (v. 35). Translating Mercy into Today’s Moments 1. Notice People – Pray each morning for “Samaritan eyes” (John 4:35). – Put the phone away in public spaces; make eye contact, smile, greet. 2. Draw Near – Sit with the lonely coworker at lunch. – Enter conversations when someone hints at trouble instead of backing away. 3. Engage with What You Have – Keep a small emergency kit or gift card in your car for roadside or grocery-line needs. – Offer skills: free tutoring, a meal, a ride, tech help. 4. Share Your “Animal” – Give temporary housing to a missionary on furlough or a college student between semesters. – Lend a vehicle or tools without charging. 5. Commit Beyond the Moment – Follow up with a text, call, or visit (1 Thessalonians 2:8). – Budget benevolence money so you’re ready to cover “future costs.” Everyday Contexts to “Do Likewise” • Home: respond to a child’s spill with help, not scolding (Colossians 3:21). • Neighborhood: mow an elderly neighbor’s lawn unasked. • Workplace: defend a maligned coworker; cover a shift during their crisis. • Church: notice newcomers; invite them to lunch (Romans 12:13). • Community: volunteer at crisis-pregnancy centers, shelters, or foster-care support groups. Guardrails for Consistent Compassion • Stay rooted in Scripture—mercy flows from truth (Micah 6:8). • Pray for wisdom; not every need is yours alone to meet (Acts 6:2-4). • Serve as a family; model mercy to the next generation (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Guard against burnout by receiving the Lord’s rest and fellowship (Mark 6:31). Why This Lifestyle Is Possible • Christ first loved and rescued us (1 John 4:19). • His Spirit empowers us to bear the fruit of kindness (Galatians 5:22-23). • Every act of mercy done in His name is remembered and rewarded (Hebrews 6:10). With our eyes on the Savior and our hearts yielded to His Spirit, we can step into each day ready to “go and do likewise.” |
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