Love That Costs Something

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

November 9th Sermon, Day 3

The Samaritan didn't just stop and offer thoughts and prayers. He rolled up his sleeves and got involved. He used his own oil and wine - expensive supplies - to treat the wounds. He put the injured man on his own donkey and walked alongside. He paid for a room and promised to cover any additional expenses. This wasn't convenient love. This was costly love.

We often want to help others, but only if it doesn't inconvenience us too much. We'll donate our old clothes but hesitate to give something we actually need. We'll help when it fits our schedule but struggle when it disrupts our plans. We'll serve when it's comfortable but resist when it requires real sacrifice. But Jesus teaches us that authentic love always costs something. It costs time, energy, resources, and comfort.

The Samaritan's love cost him money, time, and probably some personal risk. Yet he gave freely because he understood that love without sacrifice isn't really love at all. Think about how Jesus loved you. His love cost Him everything - His comfort, His safety, His very life. He didn't love you from a distance or offer you empty words. He entered into your mess, paid your debt, and continues to care for you daily. When helping others feels inconvenient or expensive, remember that you're being invited into the very heart of what it means to follow Jesus. Love that costs nothing changes nothing. But love that sacrifices has the power to transform lives.

Bible Verse

"If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?" - 1 John 3:17

Reflection Question

What is one area where you've been hesitant to help others because of the potential cost to you, and how might God be calling you to step forward anyway?

Quote Helping people requires sacrifice. It does. So go into it with open eyes. It takes time, it takes money, it takes comfort, it takes energy. But love that never costs anything isn't love. It's convenience.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for Your costly love toward me. Help me to love others the way You have loved me - sacrificially and generously. Give me a heart that's willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of others. Amen.