Command: Performance.

"Go, and do thou likewise." (Luke 10:37)

As we continue our thoughts on Pastor Benji's sermon, let's take a minute today to consider the out-working of love.

When we think of examples of how the love of God is expressed, one that comes to mind is Jesus's story of the Good Samaritan. Jesus speaks of a situation in which a man had been attacked by thieves and left for dead, and is lying on the road in need of immediate assistance. (I'd recommend you read the whole story, found in Luke 10:25-37.)

Love acts. In this story the Samaritan was preceded by a priest and a Levite, both of whom chose not to stop and help. And, whether we debate about whether they could have helped, or whether their status as ministers prevented them from helping, the end result is the same: they didn't help.

Love heals. The Samaritan used oil and wine to bandage the wounds and bring the man to a point where he could be transported, on the Samaritan's own donkey, to an inn where he could receive continuing care.

Love gives. The Samaritan made a financial contribution towards the full healing and restoration of a man he didn't even know, with no guarantee of receiving reimbursement or even a 'thank you'. And, the Samaritan make a promise to come back to the innkeeper and pay whatever additional costs were necessary for the care of this stranger.

Would you do that for a stranger? Would you do that for someone who is from a different culture than your own?

At the beginning of this story, in Luke 10:25, a lawyer asks a question: "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

Yes, lawyer, you are right. It's not just what we believe, it's what we do.