Real-Life Communication
You're a Christian counselor speaking with a woman named Madeleine.
She is looking after her sister's friend who was in an automobile accident.
"I
know I probably shouldn't feel this way," says Madeleine. "But right
now, my life is only about this stranger and his needs. It's never about
me and the difficulties I have to go through to look after him in the morning
and in the evening after I finish work."
She adds that her sister has
more money and ability to care for the sick friend, but she won't. "She
just called me up and told me this sob story about how this person has no
one to care for him and that she's too busy to help herself. If she won't
do it, why should I?" asks Madeleine.
She also asks if there are any
words in the Bible that might give her some comfort or strength to continue
looking after this stranger.
You tell her about the story of the good
Samaritan. She is interested. Together, you discuss the story, what it means
and how it is relevant in her life at the present moment.
"Communication
skills are critical for success as a counselor," says John Auxier. He is the
director of a counseling program. "You must also be a good listener and be
able to express accurate empathy."
This is the passage in the Bible
that you read together:
Luke 10:25-37
A certain
man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, which stripped
him of his raiment and wounded him and departed, leaving him
half dead.
And by chance there came down a certain priest that way;
and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
And likewise a
Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him and passed by on
the other side.
But a certain Samaritan as he journeyed came where he
was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound
up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine and set him on his own beast, and brought
him to an inn, and took care of him.
And on the morrow when he departed
he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, 'Take
care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will
repay thee."
Which now of these three thinkest thou was neighbor unto
him that fell among the thieves?
You and Madeleine discuss
the meaning of the story. Try to answer the questions below to see if you
also understand the meaning behind this parable.
Questions:
- After reading this story, do you think Jesus wants people to ask the question,
"How difficult will it be for me to help someone?" or ask, "What will happen
to this person if I don't help them?" Explain.
- Imagine that a woman flags down your car at the side of the freeway because
she has a flat tire. What might be a reason that you wouldn't stop? What
might be a reason that you would stop?