Luke 10:33-34
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Compassion is the key and is so often what we are lacking in our world. The priest and the Levite saw the same man in the same condition. They saw his need but lacked compassion, and so they just walked on by. But one with a tender heart came by and saw this man lying there in dire straits. Perhaps this Samaritan had known what it was to be in need but ignored. Perhaps he had desired comfort and found none. Perhaps he understood very deeply what it was to be cast off, to be despised and rejected, and so understood much more the great need for compassion.

But not only did he have compassion, he did something to make a difference. It was one thing to take pity on the injured man but quite another to stop and help, to get involved, to get his hands dirty, to spend time and money on him. That is the true definition of compassion because it does something with its knowledge. It doesn’t just see problems, it seeks to solve them. It seeks to do good. It seeks to offer hope and love to those who lack it. It gives of itself, and in the end, it makes more of a difference than we could ever know.

How are we demonstrating compassion and being true neighbors to those around us? Are we putting the love of God that resides in each of our hearts to work, or do we simply pass by when we see someone in need? Do we try to make a difference? Do we do what we can? Do we minister in humble ways to those who need a gentle touch? There are many ways we can impact the lives of others if we simply keep our eyes open and respond to opportunities that cross our paths. And if we cultivate hearts of compassion, we will seek out more opportunities to make a difference.

The twist in Jesus’ parable was that the people who would be expected to help, the priest and the Levite, did nothing, while the one who was himself an outcast, the Samaritan, was the one who truly demonstrated godly love toward another. In our own lives as Christians, may we never get to a point where we are too religious to bend down and help someone up. May we never view anyone as unworthy of compassion or love. And may we always demonstrate a heart of compassion in whatever ways we can, making a difference in the lives of hurting people.