Loving like Jesus

Many Christians will observe Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on January 17. (His actual birth date is January 15.) King’s comments about the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) are worth remembering:

“The first question that the priest and the Levite asked was: ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But … the good Samaritan reversed the question: ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?’”

Instead of being so concerned about personal safety, perhaps we need to shift our focus to loving like Jesus loved. 

Also in January we celebrate the Sanctity of Human Life.  This month marks the 49th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, legalizing abortion on demand.  In the U.S. alone, over 60 million little children never took their first breath or celebrated their first birthday.  Today we pray for and mourn with those who mourn, as many men and women remember this day with regret — captive to brokenness and shame.  We also rejoice with those who rejoice, remembering that God’s love and forgiveness heals the broken-hearted and sets the captive free.    Take time this week to pray for those who are facing the fear of an unplanned pregnancy.  Show the love of Jesus by being kind and understanding to those in crisis situations.  Lend a helping hand when you can.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Matthew 19:14