Love that walks near

Paul, writing to the Colossians (1:1–12) in our New Testament reading, prayed that they would be made strong—not through their own willpower, but through the strength that flows from God’s presence. He prayed that they’d be able to endure life with patience and joy, always thankful to God.. Maybe as Paul wrote, his thoughts might have turned towards the teaching of Jesus—perhaps even the parable of the Good Samaritan which we heard (Luke 10:25-37). Paul understood suffering; he had experienced it, and, before his conversion, had even caused it. But Jesus’ story of this Samaritan stranger who stops to help, teaches us not only about kindness but about the depth of love God calls us to share—not just for Him, but for each other. In a world where kindness can sometimes seem to come with conditions, we can reflect on how true compassion often comes at a cost. There’s a challenge about whether we sometimes help others for convenience, or for recognition, rather than out of true compas...