Jesus’ reputation preceded Him. As He entered a village, ten men with leprosy cried out, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” As was the custom of the day, Jesus instructed them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” As they went away, all were healed. One was a Samaritan.
Jews did not normally associate with Samaritans. This outcast was tolerated only because of the common affliction of leprosy. When this man realized the scourge of his flesh was gone, he ran back, glorifying God loudly, and threw himself at the Master’s feet.
The unnamed Samaritan thus revealed his faith in Jesus and his Christ-centered heart. The other nine walked away, exposing their self-centered and thankless hearts.
Later on in scripture, the Apostle Paul wrote to the young church at Philippi, encouraging believers to be like-minded. Have you ever wondered what ten healed, believing lepers might have accomplished for the kingdom of God if they had all run back to thank their healer with unified, Christ-centered hearts? I have.
Compassion employees, volunteer workers, church partners, and program sponsors work together purposefully to improve the lives of impoverished children — to restore hope, alleviate despair, nourish bodies, and most importantly, teach them about Jesus’ love.
Every precious child matters to God, and we must never walk away indifferently.
God rejoices when people with caring hearts unite to achieve His purposes. I feel blessed to observe this agreement of hearts and single-minded vision regularly as I go about my volunteer duties and interact with Compassion staff.
Thanks be to God for the privilege of being a Compassion volunteer!
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. —Luke 17:15–16, NIV
Prayer: Gracious loving Father, help us to always focus on You as we live out the plan you have designed for us — to be one in spirit and serve others with a Christ-centered heart. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gael Stuart Phaneuf is Compassion Volunteer and U.S. Child Sponsor.
Read all the One in Spirit devotionals.
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