Bonus One Devotional
Bonus Day
TO WHOM SHALL I ESPECIALLY DO GOOD?
By Rodney Symes
Galatians 6:10 NIV “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Who is my neighbor? To whom am I supposed to do good? Jesus answered these questions by telling the story of “THE GOOD SAMARITAN”. He wants us to know that we are to do good to all people. The Good Samaritan delayed his journey, rendered aid to a man he did not know, and took him to an inn for care. His actions thus far would be praised by his fellow man. He had done his duty.
The SECOND Great Commandment of Jesus takes our “normal duty” to others to a higher level. Let’s call it our “love duty”. It tells us to love others as ourselves and to treat others as we would like for them to treat us. The Good Samaritan went well beyond normal duty by making full provision for the wounded man’s care and recovery.
This parable illustrates that our Heavenly Father wants us to do good to all people, as we have opportunity, not limited by friendship or acquaintance. Still, there is more. He ESPECIALLY wants us to do good to those who belong to the family of believers. As a church, as a family of believers, our responsibility to each other is placed upon us by God. The Bible simply says, “Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal 6:2 NIV
A word of encouragement? An earnest prayer? A kind deed? A shared moment? A helping hand? A material gift? A gift of money? A gift of time? “Tough love”? The opportunities are many, and we must rely upon the Holy Spirit for appropriate, loving, Christian responses. Let us prayerfully do our part. We are assured that the Holy Spirit will do His.
