Luke 10:29 But the teacher of the Law wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"

Luke 10:36 And Jesus concluded, "In your opinion, which one of these three acted like a neighbor toward the man attacked by the robbers?"

Luke 10:37 The teacher of the Law answered, "The one who was kind to him." Jesus replied, "You go, then, and do the same."

After Jesus finished telling the parable of the Good Samaritan He asked the lawyer,

"In your opinion, which one of these three acted like a neighbor toward the man attacked by the robbers?" Luke 10:36

The lawyer answered, "The one who was kind to him." Luke 10:37

Then Jesus said, "You go, then, and do the same." Luke 10:37

It is the duty of every one of us to relieve the suffering and needs of others in any way we can. It doesn't matter what religion they are, what the color of their skin is, what social status they have, what club they belong to, or anything else. The second greatest commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus showed, through this parable that everyone is our neighbor. This command from Jesus doesn't limit itself to those with bodily harm. There are people who are wounded through the difficulties of life. There is not one person on this planet who isn't wounded in some way. We all need a little tenderness, kindness, compassion, and love. We're all battered travelers in this world, trying to make it to Heaven, the Promise Land. Because we're all wounded, there is a tendency in each one of us to focus on ourselves and our own problems. We will do much better focusing upward towards our Savior, surrendering totally to Him, and then using the strength and gifts He gives us to help those around us.

We can only be effective if we first spend time with God each day, and learn to listen to His leading. Too often we get it turned around and try to love other first and then God. God must come first in every aspect of our lives. Then, and only then, can we help others.

Christ is our Good Samaritan, our Savior. He left beauty, peace, and holiness, to humble Himself to our level so He could bandage our wounds, pour out His blood, and pay the price to restore us. No one else, or nothing else, deserves to come first in our lives. That space is reserved for the only One who is worthy of it. Jesus is, and always has been first. Let us all keep Him there in our lives.