The Good Samaritan

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

The story of the good Samaritan is probably the most famous biblical story about kindness. It is sad and shocking at first as we see two different men of God just walk on by. But then we see the compassion, the kindness of a complete stranger caring for someone he didn’t know and then paying for that care to continue, and it lifts your heart.

Random acts of kindness happen every day – some big, some small. It could be a phone call, a card, a lift to church, or the doctors or supermarket. It might be walking the neighbours dog or helping someone to cross the road. Something that seems small or insignificant to us can make the world of difference to the person receiving it.

You may have experienced a kind act from someone at some stage along the way. How did it make you feel? Grateful? Happy? The fact that you were in someone’s thoughts and they took the time to do something… just for you. I remember receiving a parcel some time ago with a card that simply said ‘Just thinking about you’ and inside there was a little bottle of lavender oil to help me sleep. This was from someone that I would see perhaps twice a year, but something prompted her to send the gift and it meant a lot.

Never underestimate a small act of kindness. The Holy Spirit is constantly working within you, nudging you, directing you. Listen to Him and keep watching. Don’t let an opportunity to be kind pass you by.