Today, Dr Dave is in week four of our series, “Made for More”. God so loved the world that He gave. The story we are using for this series is the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10. From that passage, we know there was a man traveling on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho and he was attacked by robbers and severely beaten. A priest and a Levite both passed him by and did not help him but a despised Samaritan stopped, treated the man with supplies he had on hand, and then took him to a nearby inn, paid for two days' stay and care, and offered more to the innkeeper upon his return, if there was a balance owed.
We are in our giving season right now at Motor City Church. The pledges you have committed to for 2025 are amazing. We will need more, but the Holy Spirit has used the story of the Samaritan to reassure me that we have given what we can now, but the Lord will provide the balance as we move forward. Just like the Samaritan who reassured the innkeeper that the balance would be paid, I believe the balance we are looking for to complete our building project will be paid in God’s timing and in His way. He has a plan and I can rest in Him. The Holy Spirit is providing in two stages, the first to start us off strong and encourage our faith and the second to come later. God's going to be looking for people who are being generous and who are willing to be a pipeline. We’re over halfway to the goal already!
True generosity often costs us something. It’s a sacrifice. You will feel it when you express generosity. The Good Samaritan starts as a story within a story. In Luke 10:36, Jesus asks, “Which of these three was a neighbor to the wounded man attacked by bandits?” The answer given was correct. It was the one who showed the wounded man mercy. But mercy was not displayed as a feeling and a promise to pray for the man. The Samaritan employed love in action. What he did transcended sympathy.
When we hope something will be done to help another person or a group of people, it is not enough. Mercy includes forgiveness and compassionate action at the same time. To cultivate a lifestyle of mercy starts with awareness. Look for the needs of people around you. Be aware. It’s the first step. Slow down. Look for ways you can make a difference.
Mercy flows from unconditional love. At Motor City Church we always say we’re not here to judge. We’re a hospital, committed to showing unconditional love - in action. We will differ from other people. But acceptance is unconditional. Acceptance says, “You are human and I care”. You can’t love others when you're looking down on them. We love everyone.
As you interact with other people, choose your words wisely. You’re never persuasive when you are abrasive. Prioritize the needs of others over your own. We want to reflect the love of Jesus through our actions and through the words we say. This will make a tangible difference in the lives of those we influence.
Listen to those in crisis. This can be incredibly healing. Galatians 6:2 challenges us to share each other's burdens. Help the grieving and those with unmet needs. Romans 16:2 teaches to help others, to build them up in the Lord. Share hospitality with the lonely. We are blessed to support World Medical Relief as they deliver kits to those in need. We support the Dream Center and its direct ministry to the homeless. Practice hospitality. Help combat that loneliness. Offer coffee or a warm dinner.
Offer another shot. I’m not talking about my book although it is a really good book. I’m talking about our support for Keep A Girl in School so girls don’t have to drop out because of their normal, monthly cycle. I’m talking about our support to A21 that actively works to rescue those enslaved by human trafficking. Everyone deserves kindness, grace and mercy. They didn’t choose to be in these situations. It can be transformative for you and them, and for generations that follow, when you open your heart toward them.
When you show acts of mercy it will enrich the giver and the receiver. Scripture in fact says that it is more blessed to give than receive. Learn to put others first through your generosity. True mercy is love in action. Think of ways to encourage and add value to others. Visit someone who is sick. Send a card. Buy a coffee. Offer to help where you can. You’re made for more. You’re created to make a difference.
Know God. Find Freedom. Discover Purpose. Make a Difference.
