Daily devotion – a good Samaritan at Christmas
An Act of Kindness
Luke 10:30-37 (NKJV)
Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Christmas is a beautiful and perfect time for you and me to be ‘good Samaritans’ to those around us. This last week, Helen and I were on the receiving end of someone filling that role for us! What a blessing it is to receive kindness from someone who loves the Lord.
In the short time leading up to Christmas, you and I will most likely encounter someone who needs a helping hand. Whether it’s assisting a stranger with a broken-down car, helping someone struggling with their shopping, or simply offering a kind word—God provides us with countless little opportunities to demonstrate His love through our actions.
Ask God to make you alert to those moments when an act of kindness can translate the love of God to someone else.
To the shopping attendant under stress, a kind word can be a rare gift at this time of year. Helen and I have noticed how a simple but heartfelt “Merry Christmas” can brighten someone’s day. The initial surprise on their face is often followed by a warm and genuine thank you—and we are blessed in return!
Begin your day with prayer, asking God to guide you into those moments of kindness. When He opens a door, step through it boldly and joyfully.
See you Tuesday at 6:00 PM for our Christmas Eve service.
May we all go and do likewise!