Every day, we come across so many people—neighbors, coworkers, some familiar faces, and others that are new to us. It’s truly heartwarming to realize just how a simple act of kindness or a thoughtful gesture can make someone’s day so much better. We have the ability to make a real difference in someone’s life by taking a moment to show that we genuinely care, lifting their spirit, and reminding them that they are not alone in this world.
The story of the Good Samaritan was one I had heard countless times, but on one particular day, it took on a new meaning for me. It brought back a clear memory of my father and me walking to the bus stop and train station. As we walked along, surrounded by the everyday chatter of city life, our peace was suddenly shattered by the terrifying sound of a woman’s screaming for help.
The thick bushes surrounding a nearby building blocked our view, but as we drew closer, the sounds of desperation grew clearer. Gulping down my fear, I instinctively grabbed my father’s hand tightly and whispered, “Daddy, please, let’s go.” But my father was not the kind of person to look the other way. With a determined look in his eyes, he let go of my hand and marched toward the scene, focusing on the figure of a man violently attacking a woman.
My heart raced as I imagined the worst—a dark and brutal confrontation that could end tragically for my father. Instead of the nightmare I imagined, my father confronted the attacker with unexpected courage, startling the man and causing him to flee in terror. It was a moment of pure relief and awe as my father approached the terrified woman.
Kneeling beside her, he spoke softly and reassuringly, asking, “Are you okay? You should go to the hospital and get those wounds treated.” The gratitude in her eyes was evident as she thanked him, her voice trembling but full of appreciation, before turning to run inside the building.
As we walked away, my father decided to report the incident to the police. But fear had overwhelmed me, paralyzing my thoughts. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I confronted my father, pleading, “Why did you have to get involved? You could have been hurt, or worse!” He paused, studying my face with a tenderness that cut through my fear. He said in a soft voice, “Billie, as he had always called me, “How could I stand by and watch someone suffer without intervening? That’s not the kind of man I am. I want you to know that you should never let fear dictate your actions, especially when it comes to doing what is right.”
I wish I could say that I heeded my father’s wisdom at that moment, but my fear of losing him was stronger than my desire to help. Years later, whenever I read the parable of the Good Samaritan, my mind always went back to that day—my father’s bravery standing as a powerful reminder of how important it is to help someone in need.
In Luke 10:24-37, we encounter a pivotal moment where Jesus is asked a pointed question by a lawyer who is a highly respected expert in the Jewish Law. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” In response, Jesus redirects the question, asking, “What is written in the Law? How do you interpret it?” By quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5, the lawyer confidently recites the fundamental principles of the Law, stating: “’ Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’” citing Deuteronomy 6:4-5, and adds, “’ Love your neighbor as yourself,’” referring to Leviticus 19:18.
Knowing that the lawyer is probing Him for a deeper explanation, Jesus affirms his answer, saying, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live” (Luke 10:28 NIV). Yet the lawyer, wanting to justify himself further, countered with another question: “Who is my neighbor?” Had he genuinely understood the meaning of the commandments he had just quoted, he may have humbly asked Jesus, “How can I fulfill this commandment? I struggle to show this love without help.” Unfortunately, his pride and self-righteousness kept him from acknowledging his mistakes.
Recognizing the lawyer’s heart, Jesus decides to use the moving parable of the Good Samaritan to teach him. A man going from Jerusalem to Jericho is robbed, beaten, stripped, and left for dead by the roadside. It happens when three people pass this wounded man. The priest knows the laws Jesus just discussed. When the priest sees the man bleeding and defenseless, he purposefully crosses the road, ignoring the situation. A Levite, who must follow the same compassionate commandments, sees the injured man and chooses to react in the same way as the priest. Despite their religious grandeur and legal understanding, both men ignore the suffering of the man before them. Both the priest and the Levite fail to extend the mercy they preach. They represent the complete opposite of what it means to love one’s neighbor.
A Samaritan—a person from a group hated by Jews—comes down the road. Interestingly, the Samaritan is moved by compassion rather than hostility. He stops, kneels beside the wounded man, and gently treats his wounds. The Samaritan pulls the injured man onto his animal and takes him to an inn, where he pays for lodging and medical care. He tells the innkeeper he will check on the man and will pay any additional expenses incurred.
Through this story, Jesus wanted to teach His disciples and the people listening a valuable lesson about what it truly means to be a neighbor. The question is, who is a neighbor? A neighbor is more than just a person you know; they represent compassion and mercy, especially to those who are in need.
Being a neighbor involves taking meaningful action toward others, rather than just categorizing them. Our willingness to help someone shouldn’t be based on their social or educational status, or even on whether they are dressed in a tailored suit or ragged clothes. We are called to help those in need, regardless of their circumstances.
These reflections serve as a reminder that true neighborliness is demonstrated by our actions and our ability to show kindness to everyone. Our mission is to actively serve those around us.
After immersing myself in the profound message of the parable of The Good Samaritan, I’ve spent time reflecting on how I engage with my neighbors and those in need around me. I began to ask myself some tough questions: Am I genuinely embodying the compassion, love, and mercy that Jesus sought to teach? Or do I only reach out only to those I already cherish, ignoring others who may also be in need of kindness and support?
As I reflect on the concept of a ‘neighbor,’ I recognize the importance of acknowledging the unique qualities and individual stories that each person carries. Every individual is a tapestry woven from their experiences, joys, struggles, and triumphs. How can I foster positive relationships that build trust and camaraderie? It starts with small yet impactful gestures—offering a warm smile, giving a genuine compliment, or stepping in to lend a hand during someone’s challenging times.
Moreover, open communication is a vital strand that holds a community together. Taking the time to listen and absorb what our neighbors share truly creates a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued. A simple act of being present—whether it’s helping out or just engaging in casual conversation—can brighten someone’s day and cultivate a more profound sense of belonging.
Let’s not forget the power we have to shape our surroundings through our interactions with others. Small acts of kindness can significantly improve the quality of life for everyone in our community. As we strive to be true disciples of Jesus, we’re called to follow His example. Let’s share and celebrate those moments of connection and care, which show that we are His true disciples!
Reflection:
- What is your main takeaway from the Parable of the Good Samaritan?
- What actions will you take to embody the lessons from this parable?
- Reflect on the level of compassion you have shown others over the past year. Does this reflection fill you with pride in yourself, or does it lead you to a more profound gratitude for God’s grace?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for Your unwavering love, mercy, and compassion. Even in my moments of weakness and when I stumble, You have never turned Your back on me or my loved ones.
Holy Spirit, I humbly ask that You fill me with Your divine wisdom. Guide me in cultivating a heart that embodies mercy—one that reflects Your goodness and brings You joy. Lord, pour Your joy into my spirit, igniting within me a passionate desire to pray without ceasing.
Help me to cultivate a heart overflowing with gratitude, not tethered to my circumstances, but firmly rooted in Your boundless grace, love, and compassion. I ask all of this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Reference:
- Gonzalez, S. (2025). [The Road]. [Photograph]. Personal collection.
- Scripture quotations adapted from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
