(I’ve been working full-time that past three weeks due to family need. Working full-time is difficult for me with my health problems. I apologize for the gap.)
I’ve had amazing opportunities to share Bible stories with a friend who is hearing them for the first time. One of these is “The Good Samaritan,” a parable by Jesus when asked “who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29) As a refresher, a man traveled and was robbed, wounded and left for dead. As he lay there bleeding by the side of the road, three individuals passed him, with varying reactions. The first man was a priest who moved to the other side of the road to pass him. The second, a pious Levite, did the same. The third man was a Samaritan, with a mutual hate relationship with the Jews. But, “when he saw him, he had compassion on him. (Luke 10:33)” He took care of the man’s wounds, took him to an inn, and left money to pay for him until he could come back. Then Jesus asked which among the three was the robbed man’s neighbor. “And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. They said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise (Luke 10:37).”
As I’ve considered this parable, I’ve found some ways to apply it to today. There is the typical response of some “priests” and others to avoid the unpleasant and purposefully move away from the person and look away. We see this much with homeless people who most people won’t venture to look them in the eye, even in the face of obvious suffering. How about this next one? I’ve seen people in honest, dire need whose families will ignore their suffering out of ignorance. One I’ve seen misused is thinking that “tough love” is the answer to every question. They see their loved ones but they don’t really see them. They certainly won’t help them. Perhaps the thieves in this person’s life are addiction, divorce and a host of other problems. I cry when I think of how one friend’s family goes out of their way not to help her.
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Here’s another one I encountered with some priests. I had been robbed by my mental illness. When I was in need and in a misunderstood and desperate situation, I had priests who came up to me. I rejoiced that finally someone had come to help. These priests bent down and lowered their hands. Finally, someone was coming to extend a hand of compassion and help. But, I was wrong. They lowered their hands and began to point the fingers of shame and blame at me. They had not come to help although they thought they had.
I continued to wait for help while wounded in the wilderness. I no longer waited for men. My hope was in one alone. He did not disappoint. The Savior of the world came to my aid when I felt judged by everyone. We became the best of friends. He is still restoring and healing my wounds. I try to follow in His work and help the helpless, the abandoned. I think suffering is not always apparent. I mentioned one person to my husband who was suffering. “But they have a big smile all the time,” he said. I also hear from several that they are willing to help anyone but they just don’t notice other people’s needs. If someone would just point out other’s needs, then they would be glad to help them. Still sounds like a bit of a copout. Try to really see people, whether homeless, addicted or depressed. Whether smiling or not. You could be the Savior’s hands.
Dedicated to a Dear Friend.
