This week’s devotions are based on Sunday’s Message: Who Is My Neighbor? (WATCH HERE)
33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
Mercy is rarely convenient.
The Samaritan interrupted his journey. He used his own oil and wine. He placed the wounded man on his own animal. He paid for lodging. He promised to return and cover any additional expense.
Love always costs something.
Sometimes it costs time.
Sometimes comfort.
Sometimes money.
Sometimes pride.
The greatest act of love in history cost Jesus everything.
Paul writes, “You were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20). That price was not silver or gold but the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18–19).
When we remember the cost of our salvation, our own sacrifices begin to look different.
A young mother stays up through another sleepless night caring for a sick child.
A husband patiently walks beside his wife through a difficult diagnosis.
A friend spends hours helping someone move.
A congregation prepares meals for a grieving family.
None of these acts are glamorous.
All of them reflect Christ.
Christian love often looks ordinary.
It is found in meals made, hospital visits, forgiveness after arguments, anonymous generosity, and prayers offered when no one else knows.
God delights in these quiet acts of mercy because they mirror His own heart.
The world often asks, “What’s the least I have to do?”
The Gospel asks, “How can Christ’s love flow through me today?”
Reflect: What act of love might require sacrifice from you this week? How does remembering Christ’s sacrifice make your own acts of service joyful rather than burdensome?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for giving everything to save me. Teach me to love generously without counting the cost. Use my time, abilities, and resources to reflect Your compassion to those You place in my path. Amen.