But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.  So he went to himand bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.      Luke 10:33-34        

Jesus told a story of three people who passed by a man left for dead. Two of them were busy with their lives but one chose to stop and help. The first man was known for his religion and the second for his good family background. But only the third; a Samaritan, who even Jesus’ disciples would have avoided because of his race was remembered as a good neighbor. The Samaritan became a nieghbor because he slowed down long enough make a connection to someone he didn’t even know. He didn’t care about what anyone thought. His willingness to connect to a single person is remembered after 2,000 years! He was willing to serve, he shared a smile, even when no one else was willing to help. Making a connection meant taking the time to have compassion even when he was in a hurry.

God is holding a doorway open to make a connection to you and me today. In the story of the Good Samaritan we never do find out what happens next to the man left behind at the inn. In the same way today, Jesus is asking us to show mercy even when we don’t know what might happen next. The rest of the story because belongs to God. He is the greatest author of all time and He has some amazing endings to write for anyone willing to be a neighbor.