I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. Born in France in 1773, Stephen Grellet was born to wealth and prominence, the son of a personal counsellor to King Louis XVI. But the path of his personal life would take a radical change during the French Revolution, when he was forced to flee Europe to escape execution. In the new world of America, would join the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers. When he heard that an epidemic of yellow fever was ravaging Philadelphia, he ministered in the heart of the plague to the sick and dying, before falling ill himself. After he recovered, he would dedicate himself to missionary work. Very few would remember his name, but many would take inspiration from those simple words attributed to him…do good to all; we only pass this way once.
Much of the direction given to God through the Law of Moses centers around the care for the things and the well-being of others, the “love thy neighbor as thyself” rule of conduct. Even when it came to the smallest areas of life, such as finding a lost ox or sheep, they were not to “hide” themselves from the needs of others, but “restore it to him again.” When farming their fields, the Hebrew children were instructed to leave some of the harvest “for the poor and stranger.” God wanted His people to be a compassionate people, always attuned to the necessities of those around them, displaying that same compassion that He showered upon them. Centuries later, Jesus would be confronted with the same inquiry, where exactly should the boundary of our love be?
The ultimate question that is answered in the parable of the Good Samaritan is What is my duty to others? The lawyer who questioned Jesus was looking for a loophole, an excuse, for not have treated everyone with equal compassion. By using the indifference of a priest and a Levite, and the abounding love of a Samaritan, Jesus would drive home the truth that love has no bounds, that nationality, circumstances, and position have no place in our love metric toward others. That Samaritan, the despised enemy of the Jews, would be the one who would accept the deep costs of compassion.
Those who truly experience the love of God will demonstrate that love to others, regardless of race, creed, or community standing. Allow the world to see His compassion through you.
Jude 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference.
Lord, help me to exude Your compassion to others. Make me an instrument of Your grace.