2025 Lent Devotional – Day 9

Lent Devotional: Day 9
Good Samaritan or a Pharisee!
Sonia Daniel

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40, ESV

Man is made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 clearly mentions, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This forms the foundation for human dignity and equality regardless of any factors and instructs us to treat our fellow beings with love, respect and dignity.

In John 13:34-35, He has given us a clear mandate, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

This mandate distinctly calls us to love one another with selflessness, humility, and forgiveness, setting an example for the world to see. It is a conscious choice that we have to make; become a good Samaritan or become like the Pharisee.

We need to question ourselves, whether we will turn a blind eye to the distress of our neighbors and move away hardheartedly or give all of ourselves like the good Samaritan and tend to the disadvantaged and destitutes. What is the legacy that we will leave behind for the younger generation to follow?

In these times, where there is disunity amongst people, where people are broken-hearted, let us shed away our cold-heartedness and be driven by compassion and love of God to bring healing, restoration, and rebuild a world which is loving towards one another.

We need to remember that any act performed out of love and compassion, demonstrated towards the needy and disadvantaged will be treated by God, as done towards Him.

Is this not enough a motivation for us to take on the mantle of the good Samaritan and share our love and resources with others?

Whatsover you do to the least of my brothers
That you do unto me.
Whatsoever you do to the least of my sisters
That you do unto me.

When I was hungry, you gave me to eat;
When I was thirsty you gave me to drink.
Now enter into the home of my Father
When I was weary, you helped me find rest;
When I was anxious, you calmed all my fears.
Now enter into the home of my Father.

When I was homeless, you opened your door;
When I was naked, you gave me your coat.
Now enter into the home of my Father.