Don’t Walk By

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

November 9th Sermon, Day 5

As Jesus concluded His parable, He didn't ask the religious expert to admire the Samaritan's actions or debate the finer points of neighborly love. He gave a simple, direct command: "Go and do likewise." This is your invitation too. Not to analyze or theorize about love, but to live it out. Not to debate who deserves compassion, but to demonstrate it. Not to walk by the needs around you, but to engage with them.

Every day, you encounter people who are wounded in some way. Maybe not physically beaten like the man in the parable, but emotionally bruised, spiritually lost, financially struggling, or relationally broken. These encounters aren't accidents - they're divine appointments. God has strategically placed you in your neighborhood, workplace, school, and community. He's given you unique gifts, resources, and opportunities.

The question isn't whether you're qualified to help - the Samaritan wasn't a trained medical professional. The question is whether you're willing to be interrupted by love. Your interruptions might actually become your ministry. That conversation with a struggling coworker, that meal for a grieving neighbor, that time spent listening to a lonely friend - these aren't distractions from your purpose. They might be your purpose. As you go through this week, remember that every interruption might be an invitation from God. Don't walk by. See the needs, stop when called, sacrifice when necessary, and serve without barriers. This is how you become the neighbor God has called you to be.

Bible Verse

"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." - James 2:17

Reflection Question

What is one specific way you can "go and do likewise" this week, showing practical love to someone in need?

Quote Don't walk by. See, this is the call your heavenly Father is making to you. Don't miss it. Don't miss your moment.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of the Good Samaritan and for Jesus' call to love without limits. Help me to be someone who doesn't walk by but stops to help. Use me as Your hands and feet in this world. May my life be a reflection of Your boundless love. Amen.