In the Gospel of Luke it is related that a certain lawyer once inquired of Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked him what he read in the law. The lawyer's reply was that one must love God supremely and one's neighbor as oneself. Whereupon Jesus said, "This do, and thou shalt live." The lawyer, "willing to justify himself," asked, "And who is my neighbour?" Jesus then told that remarkable parable of the man who fell among thieves and was wounded and left half dead by the wayside. A priest and a Levite both passed by on the other side. A Samaritan came to the wounded man, tenderly helped him, and provided for his care until he was entirely well. Jesus ended the story by asking the lawyer which of these three was neighbor to the man who fell among thieves, and when the lawyer answered, "He that shewed mercy on him," Jesus said, "Go, and do thou likewise."
The spiritual lesson in Jesus' words is that to live truly one must love God, good, above all else and love one's neighbor as oneself. Christian Science teaches us how to do this. Each one helps to supply the need of others with whom he comes in contact by his own reflecting of Love. Every child of God is constantly cared for by the all-loving Father. The good Samaritan expresses love to all.
Perhaps we show kindness and mercy to our fellow man in big things; but do we reflect these qualities in little details too? Are we striving to overcome the impatient gesture, the thoughtless, careless word, the selfish action, the envious thought, the indifferent attitude in our contacts with others? Or do we pass by on the other side, neglecting these opportunities? These little things often have mighty consequences, and oh, how cruel the neglect! And what sunshine can be brought to despairing hearts, and to those whom error has robbed of harmony, by a selfless deed, a helpful word, a loving smile, a Christlike thought! If we would watch that we express love to all whom our lives touch, the seemingly big problems like aggression, greed, and hate would be solved aright.
