The Good Samaritan

Last summer I was convicted by the good samaritan parable in Luke 10:30-37. I had always known that we were supposed to help others in need, but I was struck at how the Samaritan really went the extra mile for the man on the road. 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.' I am also convinced that Jesus� teaching is aimed at the individual, not the state. Jesus did not come to create a perfect government with a huge welfare system. He was saying that should you see a need come along your path, you should do what is right. I know many benevolent organizations use this and similar teachings to justify themselves and get support. I�m not against giving to charities, as I have done so in the past. I just don�t believe Jesus was saying to give to an organization, even the church, so they can fulfill this duty and you can go about your life as usual. Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the needs of the poor, feeling guilty for what we have, then feeling like we should be devoting all our time to it. I think the simple reading of the parable is that you find someone who has been victimized and needs help. So should you see this, do as you wish someone would do for you. If you see someone with their car stuck by the side of the road, a co worker, or friend needs a ride somewhere, someone needs cash to get some food, we should do the right thing. I also notice that this was a man who was taken by robbers and victimized. This was not a beggar on the street looking for a free handout. Now I am not against giving to the poor, but I do think that it has to be balanced with 2 Thess 3:10. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat. There are also many commands against idleness. We are called to be working for the kingdom, not lazy for the kingdom. Last fall, I took a brother in who had no place to stay. He was disowned by his Muslim family because of his faith in Christ. He was more of an acquaintance as I did not know him that well. I was talking with a group of friends in church and he mentioned that he was kicked out of his uncle�s house and was living out of his car. I was convicted that someone in the church should help out, and that was me. So I offered my place while he found something. Well soon after he lost his job, and wasn�t able to pay any rent. My roommate and I helped him with food and gas as well as getting his car fixed when it broke down. 5 months later, he still had not found a job, and let all his bills pile up to the point of car repossession. Last month I informed him that enough is enough and he had one month to leave. I sometimes wish I never offered to help. He didn�t take any responsibility for himself, so it all fell on me. I no I was supposed to help, but maybe our (Rob and I) generosity enabled him to be lazy and avoid the hard lessons of life. Maybe this was something the Lord is teaching him. So I am struggling with finding the balance of helping the needy and rebuking the deadbeats.