Go and Do Likewise

This week's Moment of Truth: Luke 10:25-37 (NIV) — "On one occasion, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. 'Teacher,' he asked, 'What must I do to inherit eternal life?'... But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was, and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him... Jesus told him, 'Go and do likewise.'"

Jesus' plan was simple — love God and love your neighbor. Simple, but not easy. And without a plan, even the most faithful man will miss the opportunity right in front of him.

Colonel Richard J. Mendelow (Ret) continues the Missed Opportunities series this week with a story that will hit close to home. In Frankfurt, tired and frustrated after a disappointing meal, he walked past a hungry, homeless man and did nothing. He made it about himself. And in doing so, a man missed not just a meal — but a chance to be seen, to be cared for, and to be lifted above the streets on which he lived.

Marines don't go outside the wire without a plan. They don't let the enemy choose their behavior. They don't wallow in circumstances. As Christians, we must do the same. If we are going to love people as our faith demands, we must be intentional — because it is far too easy to miss what God has placed directly in our path.

Who is your neighbor? And what is your plan to love him?

Tune in now to this listen week's "Moment of Truth" to hear what intentional love looks like on the frontlines of faith.