CAREGIVING

 . . . 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, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii 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.’

Luke 10:33-35

What I most appreciate about Jesus is his humility. When caregivers use his attitude as their example something special happens to the care they provide. They don’t consider themselves above the person they care for. Individuals with such love have a genuine desire to be there for the person in need, treating them as an equal. Love comes naturally and easily.

The story of the Good Samaritan, part of which is shown above, is a parable Jesus told about a stranger showing mercy to an injured man he had found lying on the road. The Samaritan in the story portrays what Jesus is like. This is the kind of person I would appreciate having with me when in trouble.

I can trust a person who does not consider themselves greater than me. I can trust a person who bends down to my level to hear me whisper my prayers—a person who will patiently bandage my wounds, though their own life might be busy. I can have confidence in the kind of love given by such a person. Such love is authentic, coming from a sincere heart—a heart that is not pre-occupied with self but others.

That’s Jesus’ kind of love. It’s humble.

marja