The Art of Neighbouring Part 2Sample

INDIFFERENCE OR COMPASSION 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once wrote regarding the Parable of the Good Samaritan:  “I imagine that the first question the priest and Levite asked was: ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' Then the good Samaritan came by, and by the very nature of his concern, reversed the question: ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?'”

In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus illustrates two responses to the injured man.  One is a response of indifference and avoidance.  The other is a response of compassion and mercy.  

It seems reasonable that the priest and Levite might have justified their responses because they had to keep themselves clean and undefiled, in order to enter the temple.  There laid the man—bloody and dying, therefore, by determination “unclean."  Each could have also considered their surroundings as the road from Jerusalem to Jericho was notorious for being both dangerous and difficult.  

Whatever their reasonings, each chose to continue on their way without concern for the man or involvement in his situation. 

Along comes the Samaritan who could have, by all rights, taken the same approach.  Historically, Jews despised Samaritans and vice versa.  By all intent, they were mortal enemies.  And yet, without consideration for cleanliness, safety, or even ethnic division, the Samaritan looked upon the man with extraordinary compassion. He not only stopped to render aid, but also acted above and beyond expectations to make sure he was well taken care of and given an opportunity to heal properly.    

How often have we found ourselves to be like the priest and the Levite, overlooking someone in need because we were too concerned with our own well-being or circumstance?  Today, may each of us seek the Father’s heart in humble repentance of those times we have justified our indifference. 

Ask the Lord to open your eyes to see others with the same compassion and mercy as He does and to have a heart that chooses to actively engage.