One of the most familiar and oft-referenced stories in the Bible is the narrative surrounding the Good Samaritan. The story may seem to be out of date when we think of our modes of travel today in contrast to the way people traveled 2000 years ago.

The principles of altruism, however, are the same today as in the time of the Samaritan, the hero of this story. Jesus emphasized three actions that I believe are timeless in living the Christian life. Here is what we should do when we find a person in need.

TIME. The Samaritan gave the injured man his time. I’m sure he was as busy as the priest and the Levite who chose not to stop and give assistance. But he realized the needs of the helpless and hurt man took precedence over whatever else he was traveling to do. Sometimes the best we can do is give our time. Simple acts like playing a game with a child or stopping to check on an elderly person who no longer lives an independent life may be the best action to take.

SKILLS. The second act of the Samaritan was to use what first aid skills he had. He was not a physician or a professional first responder. But he did what he could with the skills that he had. According to Luke 10:34, the Samaritan  “… went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.”Perhaps our skills are only to hold the person’s hand or maybe provide food and make the person comfortable. But we are instructed to do what we can.

PROVISION. The last action the Samaritan took was to provide money to care for the man. The story continues in verse 35:  “The next day he took out two denariiand 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.’” He paid for his room and board and whatever expenses he might incur. In today’s dollars, one writer guessed two denarii would equal about $150. The third action might not be possible for some, but we might provide a meal or encourage the person to spend the night in our home. For some, money might be the best action he or she can take. Perhaps you are one who always has extra money on his or her person for emergency situations such as this one in our story; perhaps what you provide is comfort in a different way.

The Good Samaritan story tells us who our neighbor is and what actions we should take to help. Our neighbor is anyone in need and we can help him or her with our time, our skills, and our money.