Whenever a national tragedy happens, many people change their profile pictures on social media and change their status to “Pray For…”

It’s a nice sentiment. It really is, but are we actually doing about it?

The culture of prayer has become hollow. It’s become all talk and no action. It looks good to make a Facebook status, but do you actually take time to pray? To research what the affected community needs? Do you reach out to the hurting when they’re in need? Or are you really a hypocrite hiding behind shiny facade? Too busy not being honest, sincerely kind, or a man or woman of your word?

Faith without works is dead. Match your actions with your words. 

Prayer is supposed to be active. When tragedy hits, we are supposed to sacrifice our time and bring it to the Lord. We are supposed to ask God what we can do to best serve the community. We need to get the facts on the situation. Our hearts should be hurting. We mourn with those who mourn. And most importantly, we show agape love.

A good story that explains what agape love is the one about The Good Samaritan. 

Long story short, The Good Samaritan stopped to help a stranded, half-dead foreigner after many other people, including religious and esteemed individuals, simply walked by or stepped over the hurting man. The Good Samaritan showed real love to the wounded. He provided healing. He paid for the foreigner’s  medical bills. He took care of the foreigner. He loved his neighbor as himself. He did not ask the foreigner questions. He did not stop to give opinions. The Good Samaritan simply carried the foreigner to safety, showed him the highest form of love and then promised to return.

Love is what rescues. Love is what redeems. Love reaches. Love is what sets free.

So go and do it. Be The Good Samaritan. Now is a time to go and love. To go and serve.

BE the good neighbor.