Love Costs

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. -Luke 10:33-34 (NIV)
 
In today's suggested scripture reading, Jesus is responding to a question from one of the experts in the law: "who is my neighbor?" Jesus responds to the question by telling a story of a Jewish man who is attacked by robbers. A priest and a Levite pass the wounded man on the side of the road but do not stop to help. Apparently, other things are more important to them. But a Samaritan man comes upon the man left for dead and stops to help.

Love costs, doesn't it? When we deeply care about someone or something, there is always a cost involved (and not just monetarily). In this story, the Samaritan man risks his reputation, his position, and his resources for the sake of this stranger attacked by robbers. The Samaritan understands the great commandment to "love the Lord your God with all your strength and all of your mind and to love your neighbor as yourself." He offers aid to the man left for dead out of love for his neighbor.

Today, I plan to evaluate whom and what I say I love and whether I'm willing to pay a price that reflects the love I pledge.

May God grant you the grace to love and a willingness to pay the price associated with that love today.


Tomorrow's readings are: Zechariah 1-3 and Luke 11.