5 Ways to be a “Good Samaritan” Kind of Neighbor

Ah, the story of the Good Samaritan. It’s one of the most told and retold parables in the entire Bible. It’s one part reminder that we need to see everyone around us a remarkable and precious creations and another part challenge to show love in action and deed. Although the Samaritan gave generously, few could argue that the unfortunate traveler had a very complicated need. He needed medical help and transport. That’s pretty cut and dry, isn’t it? Few of our neighbors (both literal and metaphorical) have such, how shall we say, obvious needs. Sometimes they need more than that, sometimes less. But how are we to love our neighbors the Good Samaritan way, when the needs aren’t quite so blatant? How can we live out the principles of the Good Samaritan parable in our present day and time? Hopefully that is a question many of us are grappling with, as it’s a fundamental part of any close walk with God. Here are 5 ways to start with, although there are many, many more.

Cook Up a Storm

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That poor traveler must have been famished. Not only was he battered and bruised, but it seems that he was laying on the road for a good deal of time. There’s just something about food, isn’t there? When a loved one passes away, people bring food. When there is a big graduation party, people bring food. It seems that when there are big events going on in people’s lives, breaking bread together is a natural way to connect and show you care. But when’s the last time you invited someone over for dinner – just because? Or simply made them your Grammy’s Banana Bread because they were on your mind? So often we wait until things are really bad to show a simple act of love and mercy to our neighbors and friends. So get in that kitchen and make something special for those that you love.

Notice Their Need

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Isn’t that what we all just want, anyway? To be noticed? To be seen? To know that someone is willing to stick their heads out of their own little universe and validate our own reality? That’s what the Good Samaritan did, he was willing to suspend his plans and even social order to meet the needs of the wounded traveler. The priest and the Levite? They were too stuck in their own worlds to be willing to see, really see, that this dude was in a world of hurt, and needed help in a bad way. Do you notice your neighbors? Do you see when they seem to draw back within themselves, and stop engaging? If you do, then you’re probably loving them the Good Samaritan way.

Connect Them With People That Can Help

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In our current age of connectivity, we have an astound lack of connections. For all of the retweets and Linkdin recommendations, networking is something we all could do more of. The things that’s fascinating about the Good Samaritan was this – he wasn’t able to meet all of the needs of this traveler, but he used his resources to find someone who could. He didn’t use his own limited skill set to excuse away inaction. Instead, he decided that something must be done. Someway, somehow – it had to get done, and he was the guy to do it. It’s so very easy to get in touch people now, we all know an abundance of people who are in need, and probably just as many people that could help. It could be as easy as finding a handyman mechanic that might be able to help that single mother’s car for a bit less than asking price. When we use our networks, we show that we really truly do love our neighbor.

Give Financially

Giving money to charities is good. Giving money to individuals is even better. Having worked with multiple non-profits, if I’ve seen it once, I’ve seen it a thousand times. Inefficient use of funds so often ends up limiting the impact each dollar has on the focus group. Besides, there’s very little accountability when it comes to shelling out tons of money to some massive company. Instead, we can help pay someone’s rent during a tough month. We can buy them a tank of gas. We can even get a gift card (or bag of groceries) for them. Money isn’t the answer to all problems, and sometimes people don’t have money because they haven’t taken care of money they did have. But that’s all the more reason to help them out. We can give them some of our money, and then teach them how to manage money. It very well could be the gift that keeps on giving.