Comments on: What can the parable of the Good Samaritan teach us about money?

By: My 10DG – Day One

My 10DG – Day One — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:53:45 +0000

[...] Lessons from the Parable of the Good Samaritan [...]

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:46:52 +0000

It appears that when it comes to helping out and giving, Jesus wants us to do it without thinking about ourselves. God first, or neighbor first, and ourselves last. Another example is “The Widow’s Offering” – Mark 12:41-44.
One of the things I struggle with is the question of whether it is a possible to reach a point where your interaction with people does not have an element of self-interest in it. For example, I hope that as a blogger, I add value, and I help people. Is my expectation of comments, and may be making some money in the process sinful? [I am assuming that helping people is not only through giving them money, it can be through providing advice and/or other service.] Is it possible for me to contribute to the conversation at various blogs, without expecting to get something in return, for example, some readers coming to visit my blog?
I suspect that Jesus wants our ego to die. Once that happens, it becomes much easier to live for God and others. Obviously, I am NOT talking from experience. But it seems clear from reading the lives of the saints and the holy ones that it is easier to do God’s will and be a servant of men when you let go of your ego and concern for yourself. When one reaches that point, questions of how much to help, who to help, what to eat tomorrow, where to sleep, etc do not arise.
Thanks for this nice post. And sorry for the long comment. The issue raised is something I struggle with.

By: financia at FinancialFreakShow.com

financia at FinancialFreakShow.com — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:22:19 +0000

This is a good post.

It’s so easy to look up and realize you’ve only thought of yourself for a time – not in a butt head sort of way but you & your needs are usually at the the of your own list.
It’s good to remember things like this from time to time.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 06:47:36 +0000

Wow what great insight! As a Christian i totally understand and can appreciate this. God Bless!

By: Madhu

Madhu — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:50:35 +0000

I’ve been a fan of your for quite a while now.I always read but,never left a comment before.So,this will be my first.I’m not a Christian by faith.I’ve heard the phrase “Good Samaritan” used quite oftenly but,never have heard the story.Good to know it now.My husband is a “Good Samaritan” in that sense,mostly when it comes to money.Everytime he sees a person in need he’d just give away large amounts of money to solve their financial problems.I’d be always wooried about our own comforts,our kids.What will we do when we need the money without having any savings.It’s good to help others but to what extent.Hubby recently gave a large amount og money to clear off his friend’s debt.But,was it a responsible thing to do.His friend needs to know how to handle his own money problems.He got into debt for his personal luxuries.So,does it justify as a good act to give money to a financially irresponsible person??

-madhu

By: Dramon

Dramon — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:07:44 +0000

To me this is always a challenging story. It is easy to help friends and family; but far more difficult to help a stranger in a such a generous way – both from a time and money issue.

There are so many worthwhile charities and organziations, all needing support to assist others. Is it better to just help the people you can versus supporting charities who do this work?

By: Carrie

Carrie — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:27:43 +0000

Good article. Thanks for the insight.