LOVE FIRST

It is written, “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. (34) 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.” Luke 10:33-34.

Love should always be first. In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus shows us what real love looks like, love that moves beyond comfort, beyond prejudice, and beyond excuses. Scripture says, “But a Samaritan… came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” (Luke 10:33–34) He didn’t look away. He didn’t judge. He didn’t ask who the man was or whether he deserved help. He simply loved.

True love is revealed in action. The Samaritan bandaged wounds, poured out oil and wine, lifted the man onto his own donkey, and cared for him at his own expense. This reflects the heart of Christ, who teaches us, “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14) When love is first, compassion overrides convenience. When love is first, unity becomes more important than opinions. When love is first, we see people the way God sees them, valuable, redeemable, and worthy of care.

Jesus reminds us, “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) Love is not optional for believers, it is the evidence of our discipleship. And “above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:14)

Today, let the Good Samaritan challenge you to love first, love boldly, and love without hesitation. Love is not a feeling, it is a choice. And when we choose love first, we reflect the heart of Christ to a world that desperately needs His touch.

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison

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