Good Samaritan, an alien.

Once again, I followed my train of thoughts and stopped at 'the parable of the Good Samaritan'. This parable was mentioned when a lawyer who are our neighbours, that we ought to love.

In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 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.'

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." (Luke 10:30-37)

I wonder, how was the good samaritan doing before he encountered that man? Did he meet an energy-draining journey? A sandstorm? Imagine he just continued despite facing all these obstacles just to fufill his purpose of being on Earth. Won't he be discouraged? Won't he break down?

Even the strongest man would feel weak once in a while. Being alienated by the Jews won't make him feel any better.

Many times, we don't realise that those who encourage us are also those who require encouragement. They help because they know they are needed but at the same time they feel helpless because of the complicated situations they face day-to-day.

Next time when you see them, give them a smile. Give them a pat on the back. Tell them all is fine with God. Treat aliens well too. =)

When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. (Leviticus 19:33)