The Good Samaritan

You can find the story of the Good Samaritan in the bible in the book of Luke chapter 10 verses 25-37. The story shares no history of the man who was helped. Was he a robber, a beggar, a regular joe, a Nobleman or even a king?? There was nothing said about this man. To the Good Samaritan it did not matter he helped the man without knowing anything about him.

How many times have you heard someone say I would have helped that person but I was not sure who they were?? Is it really up to us to decide who needs our help and who does not?? Whether that individual is rich or poor or somewhere in between we should be willing to help if we can. There are so many excuses that we could use to not help someone even going as far as saying they would not need our help. Really??? Just think about it for a minute does any of these excuses sound familiar:

“The hitchhiker could be a murderer”

“That beggar could waste the money on alcohol and cigarettes”

“Somebody else will help”

“She should go home to her parents”

“He should be in school”

“It’s none of my business”

Now, I am not advocating putting yourself in danger to help someone. I am saying that if there is a way that you know you can help that will not put you out perhaps you could help. Giving food or money to the beggar if you have some to share is a great place to start practicing. Offer him a sandwich that you buy from the local diner or fast food joint if nothing else.

In your neighborhood how many individuals are in need of a meal?? I have volunteered at the food kitchens as the long line of individuals came in and ate a meal. There are teens and younger children that stay at home when their parents are at work who feeds them?? I have helped pack bags of food that go home on the weekend in the childrens backpacks that offer them something to eat if there is nothing else.

There is so much you can do to help others whether it be children, the elderly or the church. What are some things that you do?? Think about babysitting for someone that needs a night out or cooking a meal for someone who is unable to do that right now. Again I ask what can you do??

Being a good Samaritan doesn’t mean you need to pick people up off the street, take them to the hospital and then pay their medical bills too.  It can also be done in small ways.  Cooking a meal.  Babysitting.  Providing company to the elderly.

Ask yourself:

How can I be a good Samaritan today?

Readers, I want to hear from you.  In what small ways has somebody be a good Samaritan to you?  In what small ways can you be a good Samaritan to others?  Feel free to leave a comment with your good Samaritan idea's and stories.