Helping Those We Don't Know

²⁹ But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”-Luke 10:29


We all know the story of the Good Samaritan.  If you need a review, read Luke 10:25-37 I think most of us would like to think that we'd react the way the good Samaritan did... certainly not the way the priest or the Levite did.  I mean, can you imagine, not getting involved because you're on your way to church?!


But would we really act out of pure concern for another human being?  When we give, a lot of us want to know things about the person or people who are receiving.  Will they appreciate it?  Will they use it to buy alcohol or cigarettes?  Are they getting more than their fair share of help... or do they just "work" the system?  Are they truthful about their needs?  Are they in this country legally?  Are they able-bodied enough to help themselves?


And what will we get out of the deal?  Recognition?  A tax write-off?  The approval of our peers?  A feeling of superiority... over those we help and over those who aren't as "good" as we are?


If we think about it, we might find that we put a lot of conditions on helping strangers.  The Good Samaritan knew nothing about the person he helped.  For all he knew, the man may have been the original attacker and thief who picked on the wrong person.


John Dancoff shared a YouTube video that I'd like to share with you here.  It's about 10 minutes long but it is really worth the time.  I promise, you have never seen this done before.  It took place at Firestone Wesleyan Church in Gastonia.  Please watch it before you read the rest of the devotion....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOtxHFmx3QE


One of my first thoughts after watching this was:  It sure would have been more powerful if the delivery guy had broken down and told them that he needed exactly that much money to pay his rent by that evening or he and his wife and baby would have been evicted.  But, you know, the pastor was right.  If this person is delivering pizza, chances are, he really could use a few extra bucks.  Maybe it wasn't a life or death need... maybe it just means he doesn't have to sweat out where his next tank of gas is coming from or he can take his girlfriend out for a nice dinner.  


God wants us to be "one" with one another. He wants us to rejoice when another rejoices and grieve when others grieve.  He wants another's problem to be our own problem.  He doesn't want us to pick and choose based on how deserving people are of our help.


No, we can't help everyone, especially in these days of tremendous need.  But occasionally, someone crosses our path and we hear the Holy Spirit telling us that this is our moment to be the Good Samaritan and to never mind asking question, and don't worry about being late for church... just help.


Lord Jesus,
Help us to put those things you have taught us into practical use.  Tune our hearts to hear the Holy Spirit speak.  Amen.


Joys: Cecelia telling me I'm her "best friend"; silly Veggie Tales songs; sermons that create lasting impressions