Every year on National Good Samaritan Day, we are reminded of the timeless lesson from the parable of the Good Samaritan—helping others not for recognition or reward, but simply because it is the right thing to do. The story teaches us about compassion, selflessness, and the power of kindness—values that remain just as relevant today.
The Good Samaritan
In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. A man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho was attacked by robbers, beaten, and left for dead. A priest and a Levite passed by without helping, but a Samaritan—a man from a group often despised by the Jews—stopped to care for him. He bandaged his wounds, took him to an inn, and paid for his care. Jesus used this story to teach that true kindness and love transcend social divisions and that we should show mercy to those in need, no matter who they are.
Foster Parents: Everyday Good Samaritans
The term "Good Samaritan" is still used today to describe someone who responds to a calling to help those in need, not for recognition or reward, but out of genuine compassion—even when it’s inconvenient or goes unnoticed. Whether driven by faith, a higher purpose, or simply a deep sense of humanity, their kindness reflects the best of what we are called to be.
Few people embody the spirit of a Good Samaritan more than foster parents. Opening their homes and hearts to children in need, foster parents provide love, stability, and care to those who may have faced hardship or uncertainty. They don’t do it for recognition—they do it because every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued.
But foster care isn’t just about helping children—it’s also about loving our neighbors. When families find themselves in crisis, foster parents step in to care for their children, offering them safety and stability while their parents work through challenges. It’s an act of deep compassion for the entire family. In many cases, foster parents are the hands and feet of mercy, standing in the gap to ensure that children are cared for until their families can be reunited.
Foster parenting is an extraordinary way to live out the call to love and serve others, reminding us that being a Good Samaritan isn’t just about a single act of kindness—it’s about a commitment to walking alongside those in need, offering hope, healing, and unwavering support.
Watch this short video on the power of Love Your Neighbor Parenting: VIDEO
How You Can Be a Good Samaritan
There are so many worthwhile ways to help others—whether through community groups, churches, or individual efforts. Acts of kindness, big or small, create a ripple effect of compassion and support. One of the most meaningful ways to serve is by ministering to children in foster care. Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Become a foster parent to open your home to children in need of temporary shelter during a difficult time. Learn more: HERE
- Support children and families through a financial donation to help provide essential resources and services. Donate: HERE
- Volunteer, host a collection drive for goods or supplies frequently needed by children entering foster care, or offer support to foster families by providing meals, babysitting, or words of encouragement. Contact us: HERE
- Spread awareness by sharing information about foster care and how others can get involved. View our site: HERE
On National Good Samaritan Day, we encourage you to look for opportunities to help others. Let’s make the world a kinder, more compassionate place—one Good Samaritan act at a time.
