5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the Sunday Message from November 16, 2025:
Day 1: Eyes Wide Open
Reading: Luke 10:25-37
The priest and Levite saw the wounded man but chose to pass by. The Samaritan saw and was moved to compassion. True seeing involves more than our physical eyes—it requires a heart attuned to God's mercy. Today, ask God to open your spiritual eyes to the needs around you. The beaten traveler represents those in our lives who are hurting, marginalized, or overlooked. Are you truly seeing them, or simply glancing past? Compassion begins when we allow ourselves to be interrupted by another's pain. As you go about your day, pause and look—really look—at the people God places in your path. Let your heart be moved at a gut level, just as the Samaritan's was, and allow that compassion to transform your actions.
Day 2: Crossing Boundaries
Reading: Galatians 3:26-29
The Samaritan crossed every social, religious, and cultural boundary to show mercy. Jews and Samaritans were enemies, yet love transcended division. In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free—all barriers are demolished. Who are the "Samaritans" in your life? Perhaps someone with different political views, from a different social class, or who makes you uncomfortable? God's kingdom compassion doesn't recognize the boundaries we create. It costs us our comfort, our reputation, and our convenience. Today, identify one boundary you need to cross in Jesus' name. It might be as simple as greeting a neighbor you've avoided or reaching out to someone different from you. Remember, the Samaritan risked everything—his time, money, safety, and reputation—to be a neighbor. What is God calling you to risk?
Day 3: Love in Action
Reading: 1 John 3:16-18
John writes that love is not merely words or speech but action and truth. The Samaritan didn't just feel sorry for the wounded man—he bandaged wounds, provided transportation, paid for lodging, and promised to return. His compassion had hands and feet. Faith without works is dead, and love without action is empty sentiment. Today, move beyond good intentions. Who needs your tangible help? Perhaps someone needs a meal, a ride, financial assistance, or simply your time. Don't wait for the perfect moment or convenient opportunity. The Samaritan's love was "spontaneous and deeply human," as one commentator noted. It interrupted his journey and changed his plans. Let your love interrupt your schedule today. As you are going about your daily routine, actively look for opportunities to put compassion into motion.
Day 4: The Cost of Compassion
Reading: Philippians 2:3-8
Jesus is the ultimate Good Samaritan. He left heaven's glory to walk the dangerous road of humanity. He bound our wounds at the cost of His own life, paying a debt He didn't owe. The Samaritan's compassion cost him time, money, plans, safety, and reputation. True discipleship always costs something. Christ's example shows us that compassion requires sacrifice—laying down our lives for others. Today, reflect on what following Jesus might cost you. Are you willing to sacrifice comfort for kingdom purposes? Your convenience for someone else's crisis? Your resources for another's restoration? The world doesn't need more comfortable Christians; it needs disciples willing to pay the price of mercy. Ask God to show you where He's calling you to sacrificial love this week, and commit to following through regardless of the cost.
Day 5: A Lifestyle of Mercy
Reading: Matthew 28:18-20; Micah 6:8
Jesus said "go and do likewise," using the same language as the Great Commission—"as you are going." Compassion isn't a one-time event or seasonal activity; it's a continuous lifestyle. God requires us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly every single day. You don't need a program or committee to be merciful—you need a willing heart as you navigate your ordinary roads. Your workplace, school, grocery store, and neighborhood are all places where wounded people need neighbors. This week, commit to making compassionate outreach your default mode rather than the exception. Let mercy become so woven into your daily rhythm that it's second nature. Remember, people will know we are Christians by our love. As you conclude this devotional journey, ask yourself: Will I be someone who passes by, or will I be the answer to someone's prayer? Go—and do likewise.
Day 1: Eyes Wide Open
Reading: Luke 10:25-37
The priest and Levite saw the wounded man but chose to pass by. The Samaritan saw and was moved to compassion. True seeing involves more than our physical eyes—it requires a heart attuned to God's mercy. Today, ask God to open your spiritual eyes to the needs around you. The beaten traveler represents those in our lives who are hurting, marginalized, or overlooked. Are you truly seeing them, or simply glancing past? Compassion begins when we allow ourselves to be interrupted by another's pain. As you go about your day, pause and look—really look—at the people God places in your path. Let your heart be moved at a gut level, just as the Samaritan's was, and allow that compassion to transform your actions.
Day 2: Crossing Boundaries
Reading: Galatians 3:26-29
The Samaritan crossed every social, religious, and cultural boundary to show mercy. Jews and Samaritans were enemies, yet love transcended division. In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free—all barriers are demolished. Who are the "Samaritans" in your life? Perhaps someone with different political views, from a different social class, or who makes you uncomfortable? God's kingdom compassion doesn't recognize the boundaries we create. It costs us our comfort, our reputation, and our convenience. Today, identify one boundary you need to cross in Jesus' name. It might be as simple as greeting a neighbor you've avoided or reaching out to someone different from you. Remember, the Samaritan risked everything—his time, money, safety, and reputation—to be a neighbor. What is God calling you to risk?
Day 3: Love in Action
Reading: 1 John 3:16-18
John writes that love is not merely words or speech but action and truth. The Samaritan didn't just feel sorry for the wounded man—he bandaged wounds, provided transportation, paid for lodging, and promised to return. His compassion had hands and feet. Faith without works is dead, and love without action is empty sentiment. Today, move beyond good intentions. Who needs your tangible help? Perhaps someone needs a meal, a ride, financial assistance, or simply your time. Don't wait for the perfect moment or convenient opportunity. The Samaritan's love was "spontaneous and deeply human," as one commentator noted. It interrupted his journey and changed his plans. Let your love interrupt your schedule today. As you are going about your daily routine, actively look for opportunities to put compassion into motion.
Day 4: The Cost of Compassion
Reading: Philippians 2:3-8
Jesus is the ultimate Good Samaritan. He left heaven's glory to walk the dangerous road of humanity. He bound our wounds at the cost of His own life, paying a debt He didn't owe. The Samaritan's compassion cost him time, money, plans, safety, and reputation. True discipleship always costs something. Christ's example shows us that compassion requires sacrifice—laying down our lives for others. Today, reflect on what following Jesus might cost you. Are you willing to sacrifice comfort for kingdom purposes? Your convenience for someone else's crisis? Your resources for another's restoration? The world doesn't need more comfortable Christians; it needs disciples willing to pay the price of mercy. Ask God to show you where He's calling you to sacrificial love this week, and commit to following through regardless of the cost.
Day 5: A Lifestyle of Mercy
Reading: Matthew 28:18-20; Micah 6:8
Jesus said "go and do likewise," using the same language as the Great Commission—"as you are going." Compassion isn't a one-time event or seasonal activity; it's a continuous lifestyle. God requires us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly every single day. You don't need a program or committee to be merciful—you need a willing heart as you navigate your ordinary roads. Your workplace, school, grocery store, and neighborhood are all places where wounded people need neighbors. This week, commit to making compassionate outreach your default mode rather than the exception. Let mercy become so woven into your daily rhythm that it's second nature. Remember, people will know we are Christians by our love. As you conclude this devotional journey, ask yourself: Will I be someone who passes by, or will I be the answer to someone's prayer? Go—and do likewise.