(The following account is a narrative of the parable told by Jesus in Luke 10:25-37 KJV).

Beaten and bloodied, a Jewish man was sprawled, half dead, on the dusty road that led from Jerusalem to Jericho. Robbed of his possessions and stripped of his clothes, the flies swarmed around his wounds as the sun beat down on the exposed flesh. Incapable of helping himself, his body grew weaker and weaker.

A ray of hope shone through the fog of pain and semi-consciousness as he sensed someone approaching. Help was on its way. A priest, a professed servant of God, passed by; but upon seeing the man in need, he walked to the other side of the road, not wanting to be hindered in his journey with an unpleasant task. He walked away, studiously ignoring the dying man. Shortly thereafter a Levite passed. He stopped and looked at the wounded man, seeing his horrific condition. With a grimace, the Levite crossed the road and continued his journey.Read more

Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. —Matthew 25:40

Jesus separated the sheep from the goats, the saved from the unsaved, on the merits of their charitable works. While not negating the necessity of salvation, Christ demonstrated the importance of charitable, humanitarian work. How, as God’s people, can so many discount the power of charity? What is the power of faith or the holiness of modesty if there is no love that brings sacrifice for the destitute and downtrodden?Read more

Scripture Reading:

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  —James 2:15-17

Summary:

Acts of benevolence and charity are foundational to the life of a Christian. True godly love and religious faith are demonstrated through sacrifice in ministering to the needy and less fortunate.

I. Love is Shown Through Practical Deeds of Kindness

A. Matthew 22:37-40 Foundation of love.
B. Luke 10:25-37 Good Samaritan.
C. 1 John 3:17-18 Love in deed.Read more

Foundation of Love

Jesus stated that the greatest commandment was to love God and secondly was to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). Love is more than a theoretical concept.  It is a decision, a heartfelt choice, a responsibility, a purpose, and that which motivates to action. Love for God is exemplified through obedience to His word. Love for our neighbor is exemplified though deeds of kindness and charitable acts. Without this kind of love, people will not be pleasing to the Lord nor fulfilling their God-given purpose in life. The life of a saint should be full of deeds of charity.Read more

 If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;

Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; . . .

If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;

If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;

If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:

Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.

Job 31:16-22