Deeper Reflection
JESUS COMMANDED THE LAWYER TO DO AS THE SAMARITAN did: Be a neighbour to those in need by showing them mercy. In the Greek language, the verb “do” is an imperative in the present active tense, which means “do and keep doing”. True commitment is sustained commitment. One major challenge of engaging in charity work is sustained commitment. There tends to be an initial burst of enthusiasm. We get an initial emotional buzz from engaging someone in need, and we feel good about the work and ourselves. But whether it is relief work⁴¹ or developmental work⁴², real long-lasting impact requires sustained effort. Most of us, sooner or later, hit a sort of wall when we feel that nothing is changing and our efforts are not working. And an inevitable question pops up: “Why bother?” At this point, things become real. Because we can then cross the point of depending on good feelings and move into the realm of living by principles. The biblical principle is “love your neighbour as yourself ”. As Jesus’ disciples, we must personally answer some basic questions: “Who is my neighbour? How does God want me to love him (or her)?” Amid disappointment and discouragement, real discipleship kicks in, reflected in our determination and discipline to keep at it. The work is not futile, though we may not see the fruits in the near term. What gives us strength is God’s faithfulness. We put our hope in Him, that in His time fruits will be borne. And this hope in God spurs us to keep at it for the long haul to bring hope to others.

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⁴¹ For example, providing financial or other resources to sustain families. ⁴¹ For example, following up with kids, youths or seniors to attend to their mental and emotional needs.