Column: Serve God by serving others

Ashland Ohio is someplace special. In fact, our city's motto is, “Someplace special”.

When we start to look at the reasons why Ashland is set apart, one may answer the question in many ways. Ashland possesses a wonderful college, a world-class seminary, highly accomplished schools, businesses, a fantastic symphony orchestra, delightful parks, a quaint downtown, and the list could go on and on. Ashland is someplace special!

With all of the wonderful things the city of Ashland has in its favor, the absolute best part about Ashland is the people who live and work here. The people make all of the difference.

Frequently the citizens of Ashland demonstrate their kindness and generosity in a lavish fashion. Ashland's citizens demonstrate through their lifestyle and participation in various ways, their compassion and commitment to support the people and organizations that sets our city apart.

Giving of one's self, one's talents, skills, and abilities for the good of another makes everything better. People share unexpected kindness and financial generosity that improves the lives of both the person receiving the kindness and the one giving the kindness.

In the gospels, we read accounts of interactions that Jesus had with various people throughout His community. One of the most impact teachings of Jesus is found in Luke 10:30-37, where we read of the account of the “Good Samaritan.” The account reads:

“30 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. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 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. 35 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.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Jesus has a way of bringing the “philosophy” and the “profound thinking of the day” to a level where it is so easily grasped by every person. Jesus challenges us to look outside our own interests and to serve God by serving others.

Jesus was challenged again in Mark 12:28-32 where Jesus is asked by the teachers of the law “Of all of the commandments, which is the most important?”

Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength AND the second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself.”

In conclusion, if we desire to experience the best of life we need to obey both God's greatest commands and replicate the example of the Good Samaritan. Our life mission must be to Love God and to love people. Be intentional to demonstrate kindness. Be a person who is defined by kindness and generosity.

Jesus's words transformed the world. Let us live the truth of the Good Samaritan and be a part of what makes Ashland special!

Eric Abel is the pastor at Bethel Chapel.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Let us be a part of what makes Ashland special.