Digging Deeper – Expression
34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’
Luke 10:34-35 (NLT)
Expression
The good Samaritan gave up his work, time, and energy to help the man. Note what he did. Each step is significant in showing how we are to love our neighbors.
- He went to him and reached out personally to help.
- He soothed his wounds with oil and wine.
- He bandaged up his wounds.
- He set him on his donkey and sacrificed his comfort.
- He provided rooming at an inn so he had a place to heal.
- He cared for him for the night and ensured he was ok.
- He enlisted the help of the innkeeper to take care of the man.
Showing love to one’s neighbor is putting love into action. Love is not just an idea or a feeling toward God. It involves practical acts and commitment to help anyone who needs help. What is the true expression of love? It means getting our hands dirty. It means doing for others what you want done for you. It means giving and sacrifice. It means doing whatever it takes to help someone in need. In 1 John 3:18, John writes, “Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”
It’s one thing to say we love our neighbor but another to express love in practice. Let’s not love in sentiment only but in practical deeds that make a difference in the lives of others. When we do, we point a lost world to Jesus. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus said, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
How will you be a light for the Lord today?
Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Maturity at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton. He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.
