“The Good Samaritan”
“But a
Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt
compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put
him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.”
(v.33-34)
The story
of “The Good Samaritan” always blesses me whenever I read it. A
Samaritan, an avowed enemy of the Jew, felt compelled to care for his fellow
man and see to his provision, until healed. We’ve all probably been on both
sides of this story at one time or another, the one needing help and the one
providing it. In both situations we end up feeling blessed because of the love
expressed.
However,
have you ever been the passer by? The one who kept going and did not stop to
help? This passage also convicts me because I have passed by those in need;
sometimes because I’m in a hurry, “Someone else will help them”, or I see them
on a cell phone so, “Help is coming”, Or “I’m not going to give that person any
money, he’ll just spend it on booze.”
While we
can’t help everyone in every situation of need, I believe we can to be a good
neighbor to those God puts directly into our path. It may come in the form of a
hug or a shoulder, a ride or a car, a room or a home. You cannot touch your
neighbor’s heart with anything less than your own. Therefore, as Jesus said to the young lawyer at the end of this
story, “Go and do likewise.” Be that good Samaritan.
The Truth
“For all
the law is fulfilled in one word, even
in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
(Galatians 5:14)
