Amos has been called from a comfortable life in Judah to bring God’s word of Judgment on Israel.  He faces opposition from the court elite, and tells them to their face that they too will face judgment.  The story of the good Samaritan tells of an “enemy” who shows more compassion than those who are to bring God’s message to those in need.  Amos brought a call to repent, the Samaritan brought love and compassion.

If we are open to God we may end up in unexpected situations bringing words of hope or judgment.

Confession

Gracious God, you have given us a ministry to the world, to share Your love.  But sometimes we forget, or are not comfortable, that Your message contains a call to repentance.  We tend to avoid that part of the gospel, or to stress condemnation rather than an offer of grace for the repentant.  Help us always to speak the truth in love and humility, letting others know that we too are sinners who have come to the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ.