We are in Week 3 of our “Made for More” series. Today’s message continues with the focus on the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10 and to summarize this message, it is “to get off your donkey”. This story teaches us about the importance of compassion and generosity. The Good Samaritan didn't just feel pity for the wounded man he encountered, he took action. He used his resources, time, and energy to help someone in need, setting an example for us to follow.
There are three things to take away from this part of the parable:
- Compassion Leads to Action: The Samaritan probably had a reaction when he saw the wounded man like “someone should do something”. This was compassion and he acted on it, unlike the priest and the Levite who passed by.
- Use What You Have: The Samaritan did what he could. He was probably not medically trained and most likely was not carrying bandages and healing ointments with him. But, he used what he had on hand to help the wounded man, pouring on wine and oil and possibly tearing his own garments to bind up the wounds. We can make a difference with what we have.
- Generosity Costs Something: The Good Samaritan then took time and effort to transport the wounded man to an inn, giving the innkeeper two days wages to keep and care for him. He did not stop at that but also offered to pay any balance owed upon his return to the inn. Helping others often requires a sacrifice of time, money, or convenience, but if we are committed to generosity in every area of our life, we will be doing something significant and adding value to others.
You were born to be blessed and to be a blessing to others. We have been created to contribute. Jesus is teaching us to use what we have to help others, to do what we can do. We do what is possible, but understand, helping others will cost something. We have a choice. We can spend our life and resources (time, talent, money), we can waste them, or we can invest them. When we help others, it is a gift to God.
As we approach our lives with generosity, whether it is directly helping someone in need, or giving through the church, make sure to take time to:
- Pray and Listen: Seek God's guidance on what He wants you to do or give.When God speaks to you about a seed (what you are to give), He has a harvest in mind. You never know how He’s going to bless you and He has that blessing in mind when He prompts you to give.
- Give Sacrificially: Be open to the opportunities God gives you to serve others. You can’t help everyone, but do for the one what you wish you could do for the many. God will bless it in ways you can’t imagine.
- Celebrate the Impact: Know that your generosity is changing lives and advancing God's kingdom.
This week's message was a powerful reminder of the impact of generosity and the importance of taking action. As we move forward, let's embrace the lessons learned from the Good Samaritan, showing compassion and generosity in all we do. Remember, we are blessed to be a blessing.
