What Would You Do?

What Would You Do?

Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. Luke 10:33-34

I’ve watched with interest a television show called What Would You Do? The premise of the show each week is to create a scenario that puts people in an uncomfortable position and film their responses to what unfolds in front of them. For example, one such staged scene took place in a restaurant. A child was begging his “parent” not to drink any more alcohol that day, but when the parent kept drinking, the child begged the adult not to drive him to his soccer game in that condition because people at the game would see them.

Another scenario focused on a man in a park yelling at his “wife.” The responses of passersby were all across the board—from ignoring the confrontation completely, to slowing down and watching, to saying something to the man, to actually coming over and intervening in the situation. The scenarios are filmed two ways, alternating between a man and a woman playing the role of the “bad person,” to see if it changes the reactions of the passersby. In any event, the scenarios are at best awkward situations, and at worst, incredibly stressful ones. Before anyone is allowed to physically intervene, the television crew stops the action.

The television show reminds me of the story of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan had to have experienced some degree of stress when he realized the gravity of the situation. Were the thugs who beat up the man still hiding somewhere? It’s so much easier to not get involved. And yet there he was—in broad daylight, a hated Samaritan, stopping to help someone else. He could have passed by—people may have understood, if they even knew. But his conscience wouldn’t let him.

What would you do?

Uncommon Key > Whether it’s with a stranger or someone you know, if a person needs help and you can provide it, get involved. Don’t detour the situation. God calls you to get involved in the lives of others by loving others as He loves you.