Good Samaritans: Kindness in the face of disaster

The Good Samaritan was a parable told by Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Gospel of Luke (10:29-37) in the New Testament.  It was about a traveler (presumably a Jew) who was robbed and left half-dead on the road.  No one came to his rescue except for a Samaritan who treated his wounds and took him to an inn to be nursed.  Samaritans, during the time of Jesus Christ, were perceived to be enemies of the Jews.  Using an “enemy” as an unlikely support in the face of disaster, Jesus Christ was describing unconditional kindness.

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Stories of Good Samaritans who show compassion in the face of disaster abound in real life. Time magazine, for instance, describes how many people have displayed altruistic behaviors when Hurricane Sandy hit many areas in the US—caring for the sick and elderly neighbors, sharing food and information, and offering various supports as needed.  Some acts of kindness in the time of catastrophes are even exceptional. Reverend Bennie Newton, for instance, saved a construction worker who was robbed and assaulted by Los Angeles thugs.  Throwing himself over the beaten man’s body and waving his Bible, he shouted “Kill him and you have to kill me, too!”  Dispersing off the thugs with his act, he moved on to bring the harassed man to the hospital.  

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What Good Samaritans demonstrate is that true kindness is absolute and spontaneous.  It is not born out of prejudice and self-interest but of the desire to love and devote oneself to God’s teachings.  

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The Mercy Church in San Luis Obispo welcomes everyone to share in God’s love.  Check out this website and discover God’s purpose in your life.