Doing Good to Others

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Luke 10:30-37
Key Verse: Luke 10:37b - "Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."

In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus taught the basic principle of ministry - doing good to others in the stead of Christ.

Let's look at six ways to help and do good for others...

1.) Be Sure You Have the Right Attitude.

• The Priest - insecure, fearful, avoided the problem. He held the victim at arm's length and isolated himself from the suffering man. Though his mandated ministry was clearly outlined, this priest was not willing to fulfill his responsibilities.
• The Levite - curious but uninvolved. Like a gawker, he wanted to see what was going on, but wasn't willing to pitch in and help.
• The Samaritan - saw and took action at his own expense. His compassion reached out to risk his own life for the sake of the injured man. He was willing to get dirty and bloody and gave of his time, energy, and personal resources.

* The key here is that we need to treat others as we would like to be treated!

2.) As People of God, We need to Cultivate a "Good Samaritan" Attitude!

• See the need...
• Ignorance and busy-ness are culprits/enemies of the right attitude.
• Meet the need...
• We need discernment; slow down, talk and listen to others.
• Two pence = two days' wages!

3.) Sympathize/Empathize - Show Compassion!

• Feel how others feel. (See Romans 12:5.)
• Judge nothing before the time!
• Learn how to listen!
• You learn sympathy/empathy by your experiences.

4.) Seize the Opportunity!

• Don't wait! Don't hesitate! - become a friend!
• Get down on their level - identify with them.
• Take a risk - be willing to get dirty.

5.) Be Willing to Sacrifice for the Sake of a Soul!

• Money - personal involvement/investment.
• Time - the Samaritan took at least two days!
• Energy - first aid, picked up, carried, took care.
• No guarantee of a return.

6.) Love Needs to Be the Driving Force!

• Compassion moved the Samaritan to action.
• He didn't get discouraged when/if he wasn't appreciated. (What could a man left for dead know of what was done to rescue him until well after the fact?)