We could come up with a number of excuses of why we can’t get involved and help those in need. Once we truly allow ourselves to feel compassion, however, it’s hard to hold on to those excuses.
An Example of How Compassion Dissolves Excuses
Why did the Good Samaritan, in Jesus’ parable, help the beaten man along the road when the priest and Levite failed to stop? They all saw the need but only of the Samaritan do we read that “he felt compassion” (Lk. 10:33-34).
We could come up with a number of excuses of why we can’t get involved and help those in need. Once we truly allow ourselves to feel compassion, however, it’s hard to hold on to those excuses. Compassion dissolves excuses, making it impossible to pass by on the other side and not get involved in People Helping Ministries.
Lack of means to help? – Compassion moves us to find something we can do to help directly or indirectly.
The priest and Levite undoubtedly had the means to personally help but if not, they could have looked to their social and religious network to do what they couldn’t. If they had compassion, they would have at least stopped and given the man some water. Or, they would have gone to get help if they truly didn’t have the means or know-how. They might have waited with the man until better help came along.
Too busy? – Compassion has a way of shifting our priorities as we make time for what we view as important.
The priest, Levite, and Samaritan were all on their way somewhere. The Good Samaritan, however, moved by compassion, did what he could, left the man in someone else’s care, and then came back when he could.
Too scared of not knowing what to say or do? – Compassion causes us to stop long enough to truly see the person and assess their needs, usually making the next step obvious.
Having gotten close enough to the injured man to see his cuts and bruises, it became clear to the Good Samaritan that the first step was to bandage the wounds. Remember, they didn’t have cell phones to call 911. They didn’t have ambulances to take the person to a hospital. Tending to the injuries was obviously the first step for the Good Samaritan.
Learn about opportunities for compassionate ministries in the People Helping Ministry Manual.