Is There Anything I Can Do to Help You? Showing Love to Those We Know and Those We Don’t

Luke 10:27 (KJV) – "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself."

In a world where isolation, division, and indifference often take center stage, the simple question, “Is there anything I can do to help you?”, has the power to transform lives. Acts of kindness and love are not just pleasant gestures—they are divine expressions of God’s love, and they reflect the principles found in Scripture.

One of the most striking examples of selfless love in the Bible is the story of the Good Samaritan. This parable, told by Jesus, teaches that love should not be confined to people we know, but extended to strangers and even those who society considers unworthy. By examining this story and understanding the impact of love on both personal relationships and the broader community, we can learn how to extend compassion to everyone—those close to us and those we may never meet again.

The Story of the Good Samaritan: A Model for Loving Others

In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan in response to a lawyer who asks, “Who is my neighbor?” This story revolves around a Jewish man who was robbed, beaten, and left for dead on the side of the road.

1. The Indifference of the Religious Leaders

Two religious leaders—a priest and a Levite—came across the injured man. Instead of stopping to help, they passed by on the other side of the road, avoiding him entirely.

Though these men were considered spiritual leaders, they failed to extend love where it was needed most. Their actions reflect a common attitude in society today—people see suffering but choose not to engage because it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.

2. The Compassion of the Good Samaritan

The most unexpected character in the story—a Samaritan—stopped, cared for the wounded man, and provided shelter and financial assistance for his recovery. Historically, Jews and Samaritans despised one another, yet this Samaritan did not let cultural or social divisions stop him from showing mercy.

Luke 10:33-34 (KJV) – "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."

This story teaches that love transcends boundaries, and genuine kindness is not determined by familiarity, convenience, or personal gain. Instead, it is rooted in a willingness to serve and care for others, regardless of their background, status, or beliefs.

Loving Those We Know: Strengthening Personal Relationships

It is often easier to show kindness to strangers than to those closest to us. Familiarity can sometimes breed indifference, yet God calls believers to be intentional in demonstrating love to family, friends, and colleagues.

1. Expressing Care Through Words and Actions

Sometimes, a simple gesture can have a profound impact on those we know. Asking, “Is there anything I can do to help you?”, signals attentiveness and care.

Proverbs 16:24 (KJV) – "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

By offering encouragement, listening attentively, and showing appreciation, we cultivate stronger, healthier relationships built on trust and mutual respect.

2. Choosing Patience and Forgiveness

It’s easy to hold onto grudges and frustrations, especially with those we interact with regularly. However, love requires forgiveness and grace.

Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) – "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."

Forgiveness does not always mean forgetting—but it does mean choosing peace over resentment, allowing relationships to heal instead of deteriorate.

Loving Those We Don’t Know: Extending Compassion Beyond Borders

The Good Samaritan teaches that love should not be limited to personal relationships—it must extend to strangers, the marginalized, and even those considered "undeserving".

1. Acts of Kindness Create Ripples of Change

Small, intentional acts of love can transform communities. Whether it’s volunteering, offering financial support, or simply helping someone carry their groceries, generosity spreads hope.

Hebrews 13:16 (KJV) – "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

Even the smallest act of kindness has eternal impact.

2. Seeing People Through God's Eyes

It is easy to judge others based on external appearances, actions, or beliefs, but God calls His people to see through a lens of compassion rather than criticism.

1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) – "For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

By approaching strangers with an open heart, believers can demonstrate Christ’s love without barriers.

Overcoming Barriers to Loving Others

Many people struggle to show love due to fear, inconvenience, or past experiences. Here are ways to overcome those barriers:

1. Remove Fear and Judgment

Love requires stepping beyond comfort zones. Whether helping someone from a different culture or forgiving an enemy, it requires choosing grace over hesitation.

2. Make Love an Everyday Habit

Instead of waiting for a "big" opportunity to serve, look for daily ways to be helpful—even if it’s as simple as smiling, speaking kindly, or offering assistance.

3. Pray for a Heart of Compassion

Ask God to remove any indifference and replace it with genuine empathy and love.

Conclusion: Choosing Love Every Day

Love is not based on emotions or convenience—it is a deliberate choice to reflect Christ’s mercy and kindness. Whether it is with family, friends, or strangers, love has the power to heal, inspire, and transform lives.

Like the Good Samaritan, believers are called to act, not just observe. By asking, “Is there anything I can do to help you?”, hearts are opened, communities are strengthened, and God's love is displayed in powerful and tangible ways.

Dr. D. Devon Griffin, Author

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