Hope is not just a feeling to be cherished privately, but a living reality that calls for action. In a world often marked by darkness and despair, God invites us into His light, not only to receive hope but to become bearers of it for others. This hope is rooted in grace, not in our own achievements or perfection. Paul’s story in Galatians reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s transforming love. Even those who once opposed God can be called, changed, and sent out to serve. Our hope is a gift, freely given, and it compels us to mission, service, and love.
Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to move beyond the question of “Who is my neighbor?” to “How can I be a neighbor?” Neighborliness is not defined by proximity or preference, but by compassion for anyone in need—even those we might find difficult to love. The Samaritan’s willingness to cross boundaries, risk his reputation, and get his hands dirty is the model for us. There is no neutral ground; we are either passing by or stopping to help. Hope in action means taking risks, stepping out of comfort, and serving those around us.
God is still at work in our community and in our world, often through ordinary people in ordinary places. We are called not to be spectators but participants, investing in the next generation and in the life of the church. Some of us may feel uncertain or unqualified, but God’s call is not limited by our past or our doubts. If God can use Paul and praise the Samaritan, He can use each of us for His purposes.
The call is clear: “Go and do likewise.” Hope is not passive; it moves us to light up the darkness through prayer, service, and love. Every act of kindness, every prayer, every step of faith is a candle lit in a dark world. As we pray for God’s kingdom to come, we are invited to be the answer to those prayers—living out hope in action, lighting the way for others, and building a stronger, more compassionate community.
Galatians 1:11-16 (ESV) — > For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone.
Luke 10:25-37 (ESV) – The Parable of the Good Samaritan — > And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
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