Have you ever noticed how many of the stories Jesus told have become part of our cultural understanding? Jesus told a story about a camel going through the eye of a needle and now that image is commonly used to convey a difficult problem. Another story was about two houses, one built on a rock and the other on sand. Today, that image is used in relation to having a firm foundation. Other stories included a mustard seed to convey a small amount of faith, and a prodigal son. Each of these images are understood within our culture. For just a few moments, let me share with you some thoughts about one more image from a familiar story, the good Samaritan.
From this story that Jesus told, someone who helps a person in trouble is known as a good Samaritan. In Luke chapter 10, we find this story. A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of 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 had compassion for him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then, he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day, he took out two silver coins 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. What was it that moved this man to help the man in need? He had not pity, but compassion.
What is the difference between pity and compassion? Pity will cause someone to look at a situation and say how horrible it is and that someone should do something about it. Then they can walk away. Compassion, however, causes us to feel what the other person feels, and it moves us to get involved. The good Samaritan allowed himself to see the robbed man and feel what he might be feeling which led him to stop and help. He could have said he was too busy or it is not my problem, but he instead got involved because he had compassion.
The good Samaritan first saw a need. Next, he stopped and allowed that need to interrupt his plans. Thirdly, he stooped down to help meet the persons need. May I encourage you to look around you and see a need that you can help meet? Stop and permit that need to interrupt your schedule because it will make a difference. Then, stoop to the level of that need so that you can offer hope and help. It may be as small as giving someone a ride or offering a listening ear, but your act of compassion can have a lasting and profound impact. Being a good Samaritan to a family member, friend or a stranger will not only bless them, but you too. Having a he art of compassion is a treasured virtue to pursue.
Pastor Mark Hiehle is the Senior Pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene at 1300 S. 29th St. in Chickasha, OK. For more info, go on-line to www.chickashanaz.com.
