Doing the right thing

There is a difference between doing what is right and doing the right thing. The nine men who were healed of leprosy did what was right. They went to show themselves to the priest. They followed the law to the letter. The Samaritan, however, threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. The Samaritan, moreover, by thanking Jesus, was doing the right thing. And Jesus acknowledged that.

How often, in our choices to act according to the law, do we miss out on the opportunity to do the right thing? When laws are written that are unjust or discriminating, do we abide by the law or do we do the right thing and address the issue in a way that makes a difference? This could be signing a petition, participating in a rally or writing to government representatives. If there is an unwritten social norm that is not hospitable, do we follow it or do we do the right thing and be welcoming? The Samaritan did the right thing by thanking Jesus for his life-changing miracle. Let us do the right thing, speaking out with our voice and our actions whenever a situation arises.

Jesus, our brother and Saviour, inspire us to do the right thing by standing with those who are oppressed, vulnerable or marginalized. Amen. — JW

Contributed by Doing the right thing

There is a difference between doing what is right and doing the right thing. The nine men who were healed of leprosy did what was right. They went to show themselves to the priest. They followed the law to the letter. The Samaritan, however, threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. The Samaritan, moreover, by thanking Jesus, was doing the right thing. And Jesus acknowledged that. How often, in our choices to act according to the law, do we miss out on the opportunity to do the right thing? When laws are written that are unjust or discriminating, do we abide by the law or do we do the right thing and address the issue in a way that makes a difference? This could be signing a petition, participating in a rally or writing to government representatives. If there is an unwritten social norm that is not hospitable, do we follow it or do we do the right thing and be welcoming? The Samaritan did the right thing by thanking Jesus for his life-changing miracle. Let us do the right thing, speaking out with our voice and our actions whenever a situation arises.
Eternity for Today