Devotional

As we enter the holiday season, our lives often become filled with activities and obligations, leaving little room for reflection and compassion. A recent experiment at Princeton University demonstrated how perceived busyness can impact our willingness to help others. Theology students were divided into groups and told they were either late or had plenty of time. Those who believed they were late were significantly less likely to help a man in distress. This finding aligns with the biblical story of the Good Samaritan, where a Samaritan stops to help a man in need, unlike the busy religious leaders who passed by. This week, challenge yourself to slow down, spend time with Jesus, and show love and compassion to those around you. By doing so, we can make a meaningful impact during this busy season and truly celebrate our faith.

Bible Verse: But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, 'And who is my neighbor?' - Luke 10:29

Reflection Question: How often do you let the illusion of busyness prevent you from showing compassion to others?

Quote: We need to slow down a little bit. We just need to slow down a little bit.

Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize when I am too focused on my own busyness. Open my eyes to see the needs of those around me and give me the courage to act with compassion. Amen.

Devotional

How busy you believe you are determines your actions. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but how we choose to spend those hours can make a significant difference. The story of the Good Samaritan teaches us that people should come first. The Samaritan prioritized the injured man over his own schedule, showing us that compassion should always be a priority. Reflect on how you manage your time and consider if your priorities align with the teachings of Jesus.

Bible Verse: Jesus answered, 'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.' - Luke 10:30

Reflection Question: Are your daily actions and priorities reflecting the compassion and love that Jesus teaches?

Quote: You have as much time as necessary. All of us are given 24 hours a day. All of us are. It's a matter of what we do with those 24 hours.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, guide me in managing my time wisely. Help me to prioritize compassion and love in my daily actions, just as You have taught us. Amen.

Devotional

Compassion has a price. It requires our time, treasure, and talents. The Good Samaritan not only stopped to help the injured man but also used his own resources to ensure the man's recovery. Jesus wants us to understand that compassion is not limited by who we are or who they are. It is a call to action that requires sacrifice. Reflect on how you can use your resources to show compassion to those in need.

Bible Verse: Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. - Leviticus 19:18

Reflection Question: What sacrifices are you willing to make to show compassion to others?

Quote: Compassion has a price. Time, treasure, talents. It has a price.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to be generous with my time, treasure, and talents. Help me to see the value in sacrificing for the sake of others, just as the Good Samaritan did. Amen.

Devotional

Jesus wants us to understand that the limits of compassion are up to us. When our friends and family cry, what do we do? Do we rush to take care of them, or do we let our busyness get in the way? The Good Samaritan didn't let societal boundaries or personal inconvenience limit his compassion. Reflect on the boundaries you have set for your compassion and consider how you can extend them.

Bible Verse: But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. - Luke 5:16

Reflection Question:  Are any of your hurrying, limiting your love, your compassion for others?

Quote: Jesus wants to understand the limits of compassion are up to us.

Prayer: Lord, help me to break down the boundaries I have set for my compassion. Teach me to love and care for others without limits, just as You do. Amen.

Devotional

Slow down, get away, be with Jesus. To truly show compassion, love, and joy, we need to spend time with Jesus. The Good Samaritan's actions were a reflection of a heart aligned with God's will. By slowing down and spending time in prayer and reflection, we can align our hearts with Jesus and be better equipped to show compassion to those around us. Make it a goal to slow down and make this time of year less about the hurry and more about compassion, love, and joy.

Bible: VerseVery early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. - Mark 1:35

Reflection Question: How can you make time to slow down and be with Jesus, especially during this busy season?

Quote: Slow down, get away, be with Jesus. You want to start changing things. You want to start making it to where you go, wow, I want to show more compassion, more joy, more love, more of all of the gifts of the spirit.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to slow down and spend time with You. Fill my heart with Your love and compassion so that I can share it with others. Amen.