Looking out for the needs of others will always require a cost, some sacrifice of time, money, energy, reputation, or privacy. Jesus sacrificed for you, and you become more like Jesus when you sacrifice for others.
In Luke, Jesus told a parable about the Good Samaritan, who found a man beaten and abandoned by the side of the road. The Samaritan “took [the man] to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here’” (Luke 10:34-35 NLT).
He did this for a total stranger. He started by administering first aid at the scene of the crime. Then he put the man on his donkey—which, by the way, means the Good Samaritan walked. He checked the man into a motel, cared for him through the night, paid the bill in the morning, and pledged to cover any additional costs.
What did he gain from it? Nothing. He didn’t even know the guy! The Good Samaritan stepped in to help without any concern for the sacrifice it might require. His focus was on the injured man’s needs—just as Jesus is focused on your needs.
This is the way God planned it: You assume responsibility for the needs of hurting people around you while trusting God to meet your needs.
Talk It Over
Why is it significant that kindness costs you something?
How has God provided for you even when you had to give something up for the good of someone else?
How is kindness an act of worship?
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