Wondering How to Serve? Think of the Samaritan.

Do you have a desire to serve others but wonder exactly how you’ll do it? Are you worried that you don’t have enough time or resources to help? Then Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan may have some helpful insights for you.

Many of us are familiar with the story of the Samaritan stopping to help man beaten by thieves and left on the road to die. But have we examined this tale’s details? First of all, Jesus specified that this man was a Samaritan. The Jews in Jesus’ day and the people of Samaria generally despised and avoided each other at all costs. Not exactly a recipe for a warm and fuzzy encounter.

But the Samaritan in Jesus’ parable didn’t see an enemy on the highway; he simply saw a man in need. We may be tempted to make assumptions about people based on race, religion, or social status. That isn’t God’s way. Of course, we should be wise about how we help people, but it is not our place to judge whether a man or woman is worthy of our help. Our mission is simply to serve. King Benjamin taught this principle to his subjects:

“Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand . . .

“But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent . . .

“For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God[?]”

— Mosiah 4:17-19

God gives each of us more than we deserve. If we are to become like Him, we must follow His example.

But what about the “how”? What is the best way to help? The answer is that it depends on the person. The good Samaritan could not have bound up the injured man’s wounds without first finding them; we, too, must do a bit of research in order to serve effectively. That may involve reading up on social issues and finding out which projects or organizations in your community have the most potential to do long-term good. Often, though, it’s simply a matter of asking someone, “What do you need?” If we’re sincere, we’ll fill those needs, even when it is inconvenient to us (and let’s be real—service usually is).

But what about the times when you really can’t help in the ways that you wish you could? The good Samaritan faced a similar situation. He had been on a journey when he found the man, and evidently, he had to finish it. How did he handle that situation? After doing everything he could, he left the man in the care of an innkeeper.

Sometimes we, too, must leave our loved ones in the care of others. This doesn’t mean that we can forget them or fail to do our part—remember that the Samaritan promised to come back to check on his injured friend and help with the expenses. We should continue to care about people and follow up. But God will never ask us to serve more than is healthy for us. Thank heavens for the other earthly angels around us who may have the time, resources, and health to give help when you and I cannot.

Perhaps the greatest secret to effective service is found in the parable itself. The man listening to Jesus noted correctly that the Samaritan had been a true neighbor because he had showed mercy. Mercy is a fruit of love. When we truly love someone, we will be led to show mercy and serve in the best way we know how. And when we have that kind of love, we will also have God’s help. God will always help us help His children.