In his conversation with a Jewish lawyer, Jesus offered the parable of the Good Samaritan as an example of being a good neighbor. It was the lawyer who defined a neighbor as “the one who showed mercy.” It was not the status of the priest or the Levite who was neighborly, but the Samaritan, a foreigner, who acted mercifully by helping a fellow human in need. Jesus said, “Go, and do likewise.”
We don’t have to go to foreign missionary fields to practice intentional acts of mercy. We can practice these virtues with our neighbors right here at home. The first step is to notice people in need. There are many people in Lumberton who live below the poverty line, who struggle daily or monthly to put food on the table, to clothe their children, and to provide a roof over their family’s heads, and these issues are not just emergency situations.
Do we even realize when someone could use a little help or encouragement? We are willing to pray for others, but are we willing to get our hands dirty, to give up time, money, or resources to help a stranger, or even a neighbor we know? Are we willing to act upon our love for Jesus, or do we just say all the right things but never jump in there and help? How can we make mercy part of our daily routine? Our Caring & Sharing Center and Wednesday Weal Program are great opportunities to get involved and practice some mercy. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people around these parts thought, “Need help? The Church of Christ will help.”
Grace & Peace, Charles.