to be a good samaritan, part 2

So, at the end of part 1, I said that there’s another thing to consider here. I believe it’s this: In a split second, Bill’s private, medical need was thrust into public view. It was sudden, involuntary, and unwelcome. Nearly every day we can see the needy, desperate people on street corners, wielding their flimsy signs, proclaiming their naked need. Those who frequent shelters are openly admitting at least some of their needs. But Bill was just walking home from the store when neediness broke in like a thief, brazenly stealing his privacy and dignity. And I was just an unexpected witness trying to keep the thief at bay. So how, in this aftermath, do I proceed? Would Bill even care to see me again or would I simply be an unwanted reminder of that night he lay in the road, vulnerable and incontinent? How do I ensure that my presence serves as a restorer of dignity rather than a reminder of indignity?

When Jesus ministered, He restored wholeness and dignity without intrusion or condescension. When the woman with the issue of blood fought her way through the crowd, touched His robe, and was healed, Jesus stopped and spoke to her. The throng regarded her as a wretched, worthless outcast, yet Jesus showered her with praise and blessing.

"Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

In front of everyone who had ostracized her, Jesus miraculously restored more than her body. He restored her dignity. In an instant, the outcast was praised, blessed, and transformed.

Jesus ministered with perfect compassion and perfect respect. So, regarding Bill, how do I mingle compassion with respect, flawed and fallible as I am?

And since I don’t have time tonight to explore this further, I’ll do it in, yes …. part 3.