Do Not Look The Other Way

Have you ever been in a desperate situation needing help from someone? Knowing that if you only had someone to help, things would go a lot easier? Everyone goes through those times, and having someone lend a hand makes all the difference. We all have had at least one person, at one time or another, really be there for us.

Looking back at that situation makes you realize that person was a God send. How many times though have we seen or heard of a need, yet we do not respond? We end up giving a lot of excuses as to why we didn’t respond and help at the time. We can see and hear of the need, but we think, “Oh someone else will help them. I just can’t right now.”

In Luke 10:30-37 we read of the good Samaritan. “ In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’  “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

This certain Samaritan went the extra mile for this man, a man who was a stranger. Imagine what he would have done for someone he knew. He gave of his heart, time and money without a second thought. He even went beyond and offered to pay any additional expenses to the inn keeper!

The example of the two men who did not help is a deep lesson for us. When they saw the need perhaps they thought, “Someone else will help him. I’m just too busy.” The Samaritan though, responded with compassion and not with his busy schedule. Imagine the man who was beat half to death when he recovered. He had to have been greatly affected by the Samaritan’s compassion. After all, he saved his life. He was in desperate need and someone responded.

Matthew 7:12 again reminds us of how to behave in all situations. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Just as we have been helped in our times of need, we need to give back. Think of a past situation in which you were helped. Now think what if you never received that help? We are the body of Christ and we are one. We must help others and never look the other way. Helping others and going the extra mile for them may be the only help they get.

And how do you know that the need your face to face with, is not a divine scheduled appointment by God for you to help in? Not only will they be blessed and see the love of God poured out to them, but so will you!

What About You?

• Take a moment and think of someone you know that has a need?

• How can you use your time, talent and treasure to meet needs around you?