Modern Samaritans

MODERN SAMARITANS

There's nothing like a good story to get a point across. Aesop taught some moral lessons with talking animals. His fables are still relevant.

Jesus knew how to teach with a good story, too. We call them parables, and perhaps the most famous is "The Good Samaritan" (Luke 10:30-37). You've probably seen hospitals by that name, or perhaps you've heard of Samaritan's Purse. Each was so named for good reasons.

The story of The Good Samaritan begins as a spiritual discussion and ends with an earthly application. It's about a man in need and the opportunity of passersby to help him. Three travelers illustrate human attitudes.

Personal Choices
Two of them were religious men. They saw a needy man, but he was from an unpopular neighboring country. Their prejudice outweighed their compassion. On that basis they chose to pass him by and continue with their own agendas.

The third traveler might have been a businessman. He understood the value of money to help people. He was even willing to be billed for future expenses. But the real key to his actions is in five small words. When the Samaritan saw the wounded man, Jesus said, "He took pity on him" (Luke 10:33). 

Pity can sometimes imply contempt. That's when the person in need is seen as being weak or inferior. But the King James Version of the Bible says the Samaritan felt "compassion."

What Are You Feeling?
Whether pity or compassion, it means feeling for another's troubles or suffering. In fact, it may even motivate people to help without being asked. Voluntary help . . . does that ring a bell? Compassion has founded some wonderful charities that thrive on volunteers. The Salvation Army, Red Cross, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Angel Tree are just a few out of thousands.

Compassion does not originate in religion or duty. It's an inward moving of our spirit to care about hurting people.

In Jesus' story, three men were headed toward their goals for the day. None were looking for projects or needs to take up their time. The religious men remained focused and avoided any involvement. The businessman, who knew time was money, shared both. He voluntarily went out of his way to give assistance.

Let's Get Personal
Compassionate giving funds a lot of charitable organizations. But there's plenty of room for personal involvement, too. Has anything moved you with enough compassion to make a difference?

I have never forgotten the story of a compassionate preschooler. A little boy was crying uncontrollably on his first day in preschool. One little girl observed him, then walked over to her cubby and brought him her blanket. Compassion has no age limit.

As modern Samaritans, being a volunteer or entering into charitable giving are only two examples of doing good. Just as there will never be a day without needs, there will never be a limit on creative ways to make a difference.

You may post a comment below, or send a personal note to me: darjsailors@gmail.com   I love hearing from my readers.