One of Scripture's most popular parables is the story of the Good Samaritan.² A Story about a man who was traveling on the road to Jericho, when he came upon another traveler who had been robbed and beaten. The story tells of how the Samaritan tended to the man’s wounds and took him the rest of the way to town for food and shelter while he healed; he also paid for all of the man’s care! I’ve often wondered why it wasn’t called the story of The KIND Samaritan, feeling as if it described him better. We use the word “good” to state our emotion or behavior, and kindness is usually how we describe a person who does good things for others. I came across this recently: “The key difference between kindness and goodness is that kindness mainly involves being generous and considerate, and helping others whereas goodness involves righteousness in action or doing what is right.”³

Being good is synonymous with being righteous. However, the Bible says, “There is no one righteous, not even one”!⁴ Only God is righteous; His goodness is beyond our understanding. In our journey to be more like Christ, being good should be a priority. Where there are opportunities to be kind, let’s use them as an opportunity to be good; righteous, being kind because it is the right thing to do.

Back in our parable, two other “godly” men had passed by the wounded man but had refused to stop and lend a hand. The same happens today, others pass up the blessing of being kind to others, giving us the opportunity to step in and practice goodness in a Christ-like fashion. We may not be Samaritans, but we don’t have to walk by. Be good!

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, as I seek to be more like you, I find that your goodness is never-ending. Use me to be your hands and extend your love and goodness to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Job 34:4 (NIV).

2. Luke 10:25-37.

3. https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-kindness-and-goodness/

4. Romans 3:10.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.