Show them Mercy

The story of the Good Samaritan in Luke’s gospel is a familiar one. An expert in the law tries to test Jesus’ interpretation of the law, but the Lord cuts through the man’s posturing, showing that the heart of the matter isn’t about the law at all. It’s about loving our neighbor. “Who is my neighbor?” asks the law-expert. Instead of answering him directly, Jesus tells a parable. On the surface, the parable is a poignant story of a passing Samaritan stopping to care for a wounded man when others avoided getting involved. The parable was too convicting; it became one of those “hard truths” that turned away many followers of Jesus.

I immediately thought of Jesus’ parable when I spotted this sign not long ago. The teachings of Christ are clear: when we come across people in need, we must see them as our neighbors, and show mercy.

Today is International Peace Day, a time to strengthen ideals and efforts toward peace. Friend, God began the process of bringing peace to the earth when He showed us mercy in the person of Jesus Christ. Today, continue that path: show mercy to your neighbor.