Seeing With the Heart of God

"But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him."
Luke 10:33 (NIV)

What's the difference between looking at people and actually seeing them?

In this story that Jesus tells, a Samaritan (someone Jews considered their worst enemy) travels down the road to Jericho. When he sees a beaten man lying in the road, he doesn't just look and keep walking. He sees with compassion.

To first-century Jews, the only good Samaritan was a dead Samaritan. They would be publicly cursed in the synagogue. They were excluded from attending the temple. In fact, prayers would be offered every day, begging God to keep them out of heaven. Pure racism.

But this Samaritan risks his own life to help. He's in Jewish territory where he's not even supposed to be. He bandages the man's wounds, puts him on his own donkey, takes him to an inn, and pays for his care. He gives two denarii—two full days' wages, enough for two months of room and board. He promises to return and pay any additional expenses.

What made this Samaritan special wasn't the color of his skin, but the compassion in his heart. The priest and Levite knew the law, but no law will ever make you a good neighbor. The Samaritan had love, and love can't keep you from being a good neighbor.

When you see that difficult family member, that struggling neighbor, that person who looks different from you, ask yourself: Am I just looking, or am I truly seeing them as God does? 

When you see people the way Jesus sees people with a heart of compassion, you won't worry about the color of their skin, how they smell, whether they're on your political team, or whether they share your religious faith.

A neighbor isn't defined by color or creed; a neighbor is defined by the nearest need.

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for having eyes of compassion when You see me. Thank You for giving your very life when you saw me broken and beaten on the road. Give me Your eyes to see people with compassion. Help me respond with love to everyone I meet, regardless of our differences. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.