Lk. 10:25-37; Mt. 22:36-40; Mt. 25:31-46
What? When? Who?
Disbelief stopped me in my tracks. In my rush to get back to my car, I had literally just crossed to the other side of the street to avoid someone laying on the sidewalk, in need of help.
I felt a powerful check in my spirit, as Jesus’s story of the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:25-37) came rushing to my mind. Needless to say, I was not exactly embodying the positive part of that parable…
Immediately I turned around and walked back, greeting the person and offering them some of the help that they had been requesting. From that day on, I started making myself take a step towards people and situations that make me uncomfortable.
I’ve not perfected this. I wouldn’t even claim to be very good at it. But I am ever grateful for a generous and gracious God who patiently teaches me His ways.
I had a biblical studies professor who held the firm belief that repeating the two greatest commandments (Mt. 22:36-40) every day would change your life. To be honest, I’ve always been a little afraid of what might be required of me, and have yet to fully lean in to that suggestion.
But my understanding from Jesus’s teachings is that the way we love (or don’t love) one another is exceedingly important (Mt. 25:31-46), and I think it’s time to give it a try.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
A Prayer of Confession
God, I have been blind to the plight of my fellow image bearers. I have been deaf to their cries for justice and for mercy. I have been mute when there was no one to speak for them. Lord God, unbind my mouth. Place your healing over my eyes, that I might see, and unblock my ears that I might hear. I lay my sins at your feet that you might cleanse me, heal me, and send me to do your holy work of reconciliation with my brothers and sisters. - Prayer by Corregan Brown