Your Neighbor Needs What You Have
Follow Through – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13:1-3

Key Verse: Luke 10:34

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.

Yesterday we studied the importance of follow through when it comes to showing people compassion.  There will be times when moments of compassion—one time events—are appropriate.  But in most cases there will be need for follow through, especially if we want to impact people for God’s kingdom.  It is follow through that builds relationships.  It is follow through that proves we want to be a true friend.  It is follow through that shows the hurting person that they are not just a project to make us feel better or a prospect to sell them our religious beliefs!

Of course, we should hope for and pray that people we minister to will want our Savior Jesus Christ!  But we need to determine that even if they say no to Jesus, we will still show them love and friendship.  Christ followers must not get involved with hurting people and then drop them—leave them—if they don’t accept our way of thinking!

If the story of the Good Samaritan teaches us anything, it teaches us that helping hurting people is messy business.  It will take more than a moment of our time.  It will get us involved in a person’s life.  It will involve time, energy and money.  Yet, as faithful followers of Jesus, we must be obedient to those divine appointments!

Father, I am willing to get involved with hurting people.  I will work hard to follow through on my moments of mercy to them.  Grant me strength!  In Jesus’ name, amen.