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The Inconvenience of Pity

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” Luke 10:33

Pam and I were walking through the entrance area to the park at Niagara Falls when I was reminded of this truth. We were behind a tourist family and we were passing a man on a bench showing a sign that said, “Homeless and hungry.” All the adults were just “passing by” but one of the children, a young boy, drew his father’s attention to the man and expressed pity for him.

The Samaritan, who had many reasons not to help the man, put him on his own donkey after caring for his wounds. He got him to safety and paid for his care. It was not in his business plan for the day to do this. The one he was caring for may even have had a prejudice against the Samaritan. But compassion overcame all barriers and loving your neighbor became reality.

Loving people as ourselves is not simple or convenient or without cost. But it is worth it because it is the way we reflect the heart of our Savior. I have to ask myself every day, am I seeing people with eyes of compassion or passing by them for my convenience?

Prayer Focus: Lord, help me to see people with Your eyes and care for them with Your heart.

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