Love is Kind

My daughter and I were standing on the corner waiting for the light to change, when a homeless man came up to us and started talking about the Tesla.  (We happened to be standing right in front of the Tesla dealership.)  He knew all the models, how the doors opened, which model was coming out next and how much each model costs.  It was actually a wonderful conversation while waiting for the light to change.  I was quite impressed with his knowledge of the car and something about his smile was contagious.  When the light changed and we said our goodbyes, he said “Hey, do you have a dollar I could have?”  I said, “I’m sorry, but I don’t have any cash.”  (This was the truth.)  He said, “I know.  Nobody carries cash anymore.”  I quickly shot back, “You need to get a square!” and all three of us busted out laughing before we crossed the street.

It was such a pleasant exchange with a total stranger and as I looked into his eyes, all I could think was “this is somebody’s son and could very well be my brother, friend, or even neighbor” and as a follower of Christ, I was called to share love and kindness with him.

In Luke 10:25-37 Jesus tells the following story that sends a very powerful message about love and kindness, while making it clear who our neighbor is. 

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

²⁵ On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

²⁶ “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

²⁷ He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind”; and, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

²⁸ “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

²⁹ But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

³⁰ In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. ³¹ A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. ³² So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.³³ But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. ³⁴ He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

³⁶ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

³⁷ The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Jesus gives a clear illustration of love, kindness and mercy and tells us to “go and do likewise.” Jeremiah 31:3 says “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness’”.  So the next time you see someone in need, whether it be a tangible need, an emotional need, a smile, a conversation or some sort of helping hand, be their neighbor.  Please don’t pass them by.  Be like Jesus and draw them with unfailing kindness.

Love Always!

Shy