Good Samaritan Compassion

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In the Bible Samaritans are neighbours that espouse separate “Samaritan” religious views. [See Samaritan Bible references at the end of the page.]

The idea of Good Samaritan love and compassion can go a long way. If we could open and trust our hearts, complex dispute and disagreements might evaporate. By giving the heart eyes to see, ears to hear, and hands to touch, people could access their ability to recognize and feel their neighbours like the Good Samaritan. The Good Samaritan story can relate to diversity in America, international travel, or even when watching news, movies and documentaries about neighbours with their religions and cultures. When asked who is a neighbor, Jesus is said to have told a story about the Good Samaritan. (See Luke 10:25-37). I will retell this story and tell it from the perspective of the victim that a Good Samaritan helps.

I am a man of much respect, good fortune, and many friends. Though I would love to stay in my community and enjoy the many comforts home and neighbors provide, I look forward to traveling to nearby cities where I can meet people and make new friends. Besides, business requires me to travel.

One sunny, hot day, I'm on the road to my destination and a seemingly kind man greets me. Little did I know this meeting would be extremely brief for suddenly I get knocked out. . . .

Next, I am on the roadside striped of every possession, including most of my clothes. Only a whine escapes parched lips when I attempt to call for help. Barely able to turn and lift my left arm, I struggle to signal an upcoming man. This person turns his head and walks to the other side, as if I do not exist.

[Stop to think if you have “turned the head” or would you be like the Good Samaritan.]

After some time in the baking sun, I squint to see another man. This man looks at me. I recognize him as one of my neighbors. Too weak to lift the hand again, I figure he will help me for sure. This is neighbor is known for his integrity and charity. He always provides spiritual advice and sets a standard for us. He is one of the best men that I know. I safely close my eyes and wait to be rescued from my unfortunate plight. When opening my eyes to see my friend leaning over to offer assistance, I see no one. Out of sheer desperation I muster all of my effort to see where my friend went. Scraping my ears on the gravel pavement, I force my head around. He must not recognize me in this condition for he's moved to the other side of the road. At this point my wounds attract my attention.

[Would we be compassionate like the Good Samaritan, or a hypocrite? Of course we do know the whole story. Maybe the goodly neighbor was in a rush yet normally would help out like the Good Samaritan.]

I am in pain, left to bleed and die. Is no one good enough to notice? Pain moves from my bleeding head to my heart and forms a tear. Why doesn't anyone care? If only someone cared enough to help me get to a doctor. I'd amply repay their kindness. Do people mistake me as a drunk or having leprosy, unworthy of consideration? Am I the menace they'd rather be rid of? This experience makes me think of the times I've been unkind. Would I stop and help? When have I looked down on others because of their circumstances? My faint breath makes it difficult to think. Hearing vultures overhead, I close my eyes and pray to be seen and helped by someone. . . .

Upon awakening I'm in a clean bed with bandages around my wounds. A man turning out to be the innkeeper tells me that I was near death and unconscious for weeks. The knock in the head and loss of blood seemed to culminate into a coma. A Good Samaritan brought me here and even came back a second time to pay my expenses. The act of love and charity by this Samaritan outweighs any consideration I used to have of these people. All of the riches and choice talents mean nothing if unable to stop and help someone in need. A friend I knew did not stop, yet I am alive today because a Good Samaritan of who I thought of as less important saw me as a neighbor in need of help.

After listening to this Good Samaritan Story, well known to most Christians, ask yourself why Jesus chose to illustrate the true neighbor as a Samaritan. At the time Samaritans were known as heretics who did not follow God. They intermarried with gentiles and perverted the ways of God (Kings 17:24-41). Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans (John 4:9). Samaritans would not receive Jesus into their village (Luke 9: 52-56), yet according to the scriptures Jesus specifically referred to a Good Samaritan as an example of a “neighbor.”

The overwhelming majority of Christians in the United States can utilize this example of the Good Samaritan. Priorities of love and compassion represented by the Good Samaritan can guide thoughts and actions towards those in different religions. Though the Good Samaritan should define a Christian example of compassion, other scriptural based beliefs seem to cause conflicts. When Christian indoctrinations are accompanied by strong conviction, confusion can set in. Though rarely vocalized, deep-seated disapproval of other religions, even animosity might take over. It is at this time to think about the Good Samaritan story and think about think of what is right. In the midst of vying statements ― even if scriptural ― priorities must take precedence.

A Good Samaritan was chosen to show that love for God and compassion was not dependent upon one particular religion. If the world 2000 years ago was more global, Jesus might have chosen a Buddhist or Hindu as an example of the Good Samaritan. If Jesus was able to travel around Rome, he might have discovered individuals and families truly worshipping God in their hearts and minds, even though they worshipped in a temple for the god Jupiter (the Greek god Zeus). An individual born and raised in Rome with its State religion might well have done his or her best to be a good person and worship God.

May all consider the Good Samaritan Story when projecting negative thoughts and actions towards others, especially those like in a different religion, like the Samaritan.

[Story by Scot Aaron, adapted from Love Your Neighobrs? Discover the real world religions.]