FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Todd Gaddis

wounded traveler. Carefully consider these lessons on love that surface from this parable. Show that you care . When the Samaritan saw the wounded man, “He felt compassion” (Luke 10:33). The word used in the original language implies a deep feeling of sympathy. It’s the same verb Jesus used after looking over a hungry crowd of thousands. “I feel compassion for the people because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat." (Mark 8:2). Mother Teresa is an icon of sympathy and service. On one occasion she was brought face to face with a man who had a rare and horrendous case of terminal cancer. One of the workers had vomited from the stench and could no longer continue. Mother Teresa then stepped in and kindly took over. The patient was mystified. "How can you stand the smell?" asked the patient. Mother Teresa replied, "It's nothing compared to the pain you must feel." 3 The Good Samaritan demonstrated that same compassion. Grasping the severity of the situation, he began tending the victim’s injuries. He used wine to cleanse the wounds and oil to ease the pain—but he didn’t stop there. Had the beaten and robbed man been left to fend for himself along the side of the road, he might have been the victim of more misfortune. Other degenerates might have come along. Dangerous animals could have attacked. Therefore, the Samaritan put the man on his donkey and took him to an inn to provide a place for refuge and healing. It may sound trite, but it’s absolutely true: “People don’t care what you know till they know that you care . " Put your religion into action by exhibiting Christ-like tenderness. Love demands evidence of care and concern—and that isn’t all. You must also: “PERFECT LOVE DRIVES OUT FEAR”

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