It

can be difficult to show compassion to someone you might despise. It

can also be difficult to receive help from such a person. That’s

because you would think of that person as an enemy. This parable is

about showing God’s love and compassion without strings attached,

even for an enemy.

The

question could be asked, “How could a holy God offer love to any of

us, who are basically his enemies because of all the sins we do

against him?” The answer is grace (unearned favor)! (See Romans

5:6-11.)

In

Jesus’ parable, a priest and a Levite pass by and notice the man

who has been robbed and beaten, but they keep going without offering

any help. Then along comes a Samaritan. (In those days the Jews and

Samaritans despised each other.) This man stops and takes action in

practical ways. He doesn’t just throw money at the problem; he also

gives his time and resources to see that the beaten man is restored

to health again.

Many

people tend to measure their love for God by their commitment to

church attendance, Bible study, giving money for ministry, or

volunteering at church. Yet loving our neighbor demands more. To love

God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength goes hand in hand

with loving our neighbor as ourselves. We are commanded to do

both—regardless of who they are, what they have done, or where they

come from.