The Kindness of a Stranger

Luke 10:33 (KJV)

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him

Just a little while ago I went to put some gas in the car. I have so much to do today with the Book Drive/Fundraiser and some other things. But the tank was so low... I grabbed all my change that I had for laundry and headed up to the gas station. (Looking a "hot mess") as they say.

I ended up having only $5.50 in quarters. I put that in knowing it wouldn't be enough.

There was a man cleaning his car at the next pump. I noticed him when I first got out of the car. Something said "just ask" but I wouldn't at first. After I pumped the gas and was about to get in the car to go, again something said "just ask" so I got back out and asked if he could help with just $5 in gas. I handed him my card and began to tell him what I needed to do today. And to tell him about Havilah Christian Center, the book drive and the ministry goals that prompted the book drive.

He put his card into the pump and said, "I don't think $10 will get you that far."

I thought to myself that I had only asked for $5 in gas. When he finished pumping, the meter read $15.

In this little car I'm driving, that should get me there and back, and maybe take me a few other places.

My point in this is, this gentleman could easily have said "I can't help you" as many are so apt to do in today's world. But from the kindness of his heart, he gave more than was asked of him to help a stranger in need.

I don't even know this man's name, and will most likely never see him again. But his actions seemed, to me, to be a living example of the Good Samaritan.

Yesterday, I spoke to you about mercy, today's word is "Compassion"

Let's not neglect to show compassion. Look upon the plight and affliction of others with a heart of love. 

Don't be like the priest, who saw this injured stranger as a potential problem, to be avoided at all costs. 

Don't be like the Levite, who saw a curiosity to be inspected from afar, then left to whatever might come.

Be like the Samaritan, who looked down and saw what culture deemed his enemy, (research Jew/Samaritan relations at that time) yet didn't hesitate to do all in his power to assure the well-being of this helpless stranger.

Indeed, the Samaritan went above and beyond. He didn't just pull the hurt man off to the side of the road; he didn't just drop him off at a doctor; he pre-paid for the man's care during his recovery, with a promise to return and pay for any cost above the deposit he gave.

COMPASSION