Jump Start # 3702

Luke 10:36 “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?”

Our verse today comes from the parable of the good Samaritan. Jesus told this story to answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?” This parable answers that. The ones that we would expect to step up and help, a priest and a Levite, ignored this man and went on their way. The most unlikely person, a Samaritan, not only helped out, but he went above and beyond what most would do.

And, nicely layered in the lessons we learn from this teaching, is the fact that sometimes people of the world act more Christian than the Christians do. That is a cold reality that is hard for some to deal with. With all the N.T. teachings and the wonderful example of our Lord, some still walk on the other side of the road when it comes to helping others. And, those closed hearts do more damage to a congregation than just about anything else.

There has been a death. And, very few if any in the congregation show up, bring food or show any kindness. But, co-workers and neighbors of the family shower  the grieving ones with all kinds of compassion.

A baby is born to a family in the congregation. Hardly anything is done. Yet, co-workers, who are not Christians, put together a baby shower.

Time and time again examples like this could be given. The priest and the Levite walked on the other side of the road, ignoring the wounded man. The Samaritan showed more compassion than the religious leaders. This has caused some to leave a congregation. This is all it takes to extinguish a weak faith that was flickering.

What should we learn from this:

First, we must admit that there are times we have failed. There are times I have failed. Too busy. Didn’t know the people very well. Lots of reasons or excuses we could stand upon, but the truth is, we failed. And, when that happens, learn from that. Do better. Apologize.

In a large congregation this is easy to happen. There are so many things going on and it can be too much for one person to do it all.

Second, good and strong communication within a congregation will help meet the needs that come up. Coordinate with others the taking of food. Communicate through texts and phone calls the needs so people know. Sometimes it’s not a closed heart or lack of compassion that has caused needs to go unmet, but some simply didn’t know anything about it. It’s easy these days to set up various forms of mass communication where everyone gets an email, text or phone call. Keeping people informed is important.

Third, we must realize that Christians do not have the corner on kindness and generosity. Many who have no commitment to the Lord are kind and generous. It should not surprise us that people of the world also help others. This should not be viewed as a contest, nor who reached out first. Sometimes a hurting family may mistakenly present it that way. It’s not who has done the most. The goal is to help someone who is hurting.

Finally, there is a level of help that only the Christian can bring. That is the spiritual side of things. The people of the world will talk about babies who died now becoming angels. They’ll talk about the deceased having time now to fish in Heaven. All kinds of ideas that are not founded upon the Scriptures. The help you give comes from God’s word. The Thessalonians were told to “comfort one another with these words,” as Paul addressed the death of Christians. Your knowledge in the word of God will help guide and answer questions. Your faith will encourage. Anyone can bring rolls and chicken soup. But you can bring food for the heart and soul that can make a lasting difference.

Proving to be a neighbor…it’s something that people who know us ought to know.

Roger