“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (I John 4:8, ESV)
First impressions are not always correct. I was reminded of this while eating a late lunch in a fast-food restaurant. Just from a quick glance at the clothes and general appearance of a man entering, I made some assumptions about him.
I must admit I did not expect the extreme politeness and friendliness I then saw him display toward others. First, I watched as he chatted with the lady behind the counter. He showed respect and interest as they briefly conversed about things in general. I could tell that he saw her as a real person, not as a faceless nobody entering his lunch order in the system.
Receiving his food, the man moved toward the drink machines to fill his cup. Another employee busily wiped spills and straightened things. With sincere warmth the man complimented, “You must be the one who keeps things looking so nice for all the customers.” From her pleased expression it was obvious that few, if any, had ever taken time to notice her good work.
It was after the usual noon rush and noise, so I could hear the man as he made his way to a table across the room. Along the way, he cheerfully spoke to other diners. He was definitely an outgoing, upbeat person who really cared about others.
As I observed this man I had so quickly misjudged, it somehow reminded me of Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. This story, related in Luke 10:25-37, was the Lord’s way of answering the question, “Who is my neighbor?”
AN UNLIKELY HERO
In the parable, a man had been attacked by thieves and left to die by the side of the road. The story has four characters: the injured man, a priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan. Both the priest and Levite hurried past the injured man. In fact, they moved to the other side to the road so they wouldn’t pass near him.
The Samaritan saw a stranger in need and chose to stop and help. He did what he could at that moment and then placed the man upon his own beast. He took the man to an inn and paid for his care. Before continuing his own journey, he promised that upon his return, he would pay any additional costs for the injured man’s care. The Bible account says the Samaritan felt compassion for the injured man.
Jesus chose an unlikely hero for His story, especially when we realize that his listeners were Jews. The hatred between Jews and Samaritans had existed for many years. Samaritans were a mixed race and worshiped differently.
EVERYONE IS MY NEIGHBOR
This parable is more than a story about bandages and antibiotic cream. Jesus used it to demonstrate that all the Ten Commandments can be summed up by two things: we are to love God and love each other. In other words, if we love our fellowman as we love ourselves, we will not kill, steal, lie, or cheat.
The Lord reminds us in this parable that every person is our neighbor. Even if they don’t look like us, dress like us, worship like us, or speak like us, we are to love them.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14, ESV)
If Jesus were telling this story today, who would he choose for His hero? I suspect that a modern-day hero might resemble the man I saw at lunch that day — dirty work boots, a well-worn plaid shirt, and shaggy, unkept hair. But the hero’s big, bright smile would say, “I see you and I love you, even if we are different.”
Never judge too quickly. We never know the good inside the heart of another.
Lord, help us to see others as You see them.
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
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