Living as Good Samaritans

Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.'”

—Luke 10:30-36

Some Christians have the mistaken idea that unbelievers are “the enemy.” As a result, they have little or nothing to do with them.

In the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-36), the Samaritan did not see the wounded Jew as his enemy, even though the Jews of that day were hostile toward Samaritans. Rather, the robbers were the enemy, and the wounded Jew was a victim. We rightly view victims of tragedy with empathy and concern. So why don’t we view the unbelievers around us in the same way? They are the victims of Satan and sin (2 Timothy 2:26), and they can’t help themselves (Romans 3:10-18).

Pray for unbelievers and show you care for them. Take every opportunity to be their friend and neighbor.

Jesus, have I passed by any victims lately? Open my eyes and show me someone today who needs my prayers, my time, my caring attention. Keep me from labeling victims as enemies. Amen.

Read Living as Good Samaritans on Elizabeth & Jim George.