An Act of Love

Many know the story of the good Samaritan. Jesus told this parable to illustrate that compassion and kindness should be shown toward all people.

I have seen children’s DVDs and storybooks illustrating the predicament of the man who was robbed, wounded, and left to die.

This always left an impact on my grandson, Kyle, who learned very quickly that the kindness of the Samaritan was the way Jesus wanted him to be.

The road between Jerusalem and Jericho is about fifteen miles through some rugged country, providing hiding places for anyone intent on attacking and robbing the unsuspecting traveler. It would be a frightening experience to suddenly be struck, robbed, and left wounded on the side of the road.

We are told that a priest came along and, later, a Levite.

Neither wanted to be involved with the wounded traveler.

However, a Samaritan who came by stopped and had compassion on him. His kindness in helping this hurt man and getting him to safety saved him.

This story came to my memory anew because I saw something the other day that I will never forget. A fire caused extensive damage to a family home in one of our suburbs. Emergency services were called, and fire units and an ambulance were in attendance. The occupants were watching, utterly distressed, and to add to their grief, their beautiful husky dog was trapped inside. They weren’t allowed to go near the house, but one of the firefighters broke a window where the fire had not reached and went to see whether the dog could be located. Not long after, he returned with the unconscious dog, which he had found under a bed. The medics, who were on hand, rushed to the dog, performed resuscitation, and gave oxygen. Then, to my amazement, the dog was lifted onto the stretcher, buckled up, oxygen secured, and placed into the ambulance to be rushed to the vet.

The news later told the story, and the dog had survived.

What an act of humanity toward this dog.

There are many stories of acts of kindness that occur around us.

God bless them all. Are good Samaritans still around? Yes, and even working for God’s creatures.

Lyn Welk-Sandy