November 16: The Power of Love

The Power of Love: Becoming the Good Samaritan

Scripture: Luke 10:36-37 KJV

Br. Machel Sampson

[36] Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? [37] And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of Jesus’ most powerful lessons because it reveals the heart of true discipleship and it directly challenges us as men.

A man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho is attacked, beaten, and left barely alive. As he lies there wounded, two respected leaders, a priest and a Levite, see him but choose to walk away. They had titles, training, and status, yet their hearts were unmoved. Their silence and distance teach us something important: it is possible to look religious yet lack compassion.

Then Jesus introduces an unexpected hero, a Samaritan. Someone society looked down on. Someone no Jew expected to do anything noble. Yet it is this man who stops, kneels, bandages wounds, gives up his comfort, and spends his own money to restore a stranger.

• This is love in action.
• This is mercy with muscle.
• This is what manhood looks like through the eyes of Christ.

For us as men, the Samaritan becomes a mirror. He reminds us that love is not passive; it is practical. It costs something. It may interrupt our plans, stretch our patience, or demand resources we would rather keep for ourselves. But this is the kind of love Jesus calls us to live out.

Every day, we pass people who are hurting emotionally, spiritually, financially, or physically. We meet men silently struggling under the pressure of life. We see families breaking, youth searching for guidance, and communities wounded by disappointment and fear. The question is: Will we walk by, or will we step in?

To “go and do likewise” means becoming men of compassion and courage. And a godly man is known not simply by what he believes, but by how he lovloves.

1.  Men who stop when others rush past.
2. Men who notice when others ignore.
3. Men whose strength is expressed in mercy, not ego.
4. Men who allow God to use their hands, hearts, and resources for healing.

When we love like the Good Samaritan, we reflect the love of Christ Himself, the One who stopped for us, carried us, healed us, and paid the ultimate price for our restoration.

Reflection for Men

• Who around me is hurting, and how can I respond with compassion?
• What might God be asking me to sacrifice in order to help someone else?
• Do my actions demonstrate the kind of love Jesus modeled?

Prayer:

Father, make me a man who sees the needs around me and refuses to walk away. Give me a heart like the Good Samaritan, strong, compassionate, and willing to act. Teach me to love in ways that reflect Your character and bring healing to others. Help me to go and do likewise. Amen.