Sobering difference

I encountered two very different reactions to a predicament of mine from two very different friends. I will use the names Bob and Bill for my purpose, because (1) I seek to reserve their privacy; and (2) I hope this does not come off as judgmental or assuming anything about their characters. I am no one to judge hearts of men, but the states of our hearts are most often conveyed in our actions. I merely seek to observe and analyze, and I think it is something cool enough to share. Here's the scenario:

I needed a business taken care of in Gainesville the other day, but I wasn't able to get into town until late that night. First, I talked to Bob, an old friend of mine to see if he could lend some help in the meanwhile. He told me, "Sorry, but I am busy right now, so I don't think I can help."

Then I tried Bill, a Christian brother, whom I have been friends with for a little over a year. I suppose we are more like acquaintances than friends. We had a little disagreement over something the night before. I totally did not expect anything from him, except merely God's grace -- which He granted. Bill was kind enough to ask me about the addresses, the figures, and other information. He then went there personally to check whether he could help or not, despite the fact that he lives off campus.

Though Bill's trips ended unfruitfully, my heart was sincerely touched by the kindness and patience he had displayed. As I turned to examine myself, I asked, "Would I have done the same if I were in Bill's place?" I was overtly confused by Christian love and was painfully convicted of my pride and impatience from the previous night -- more painful because of the greater love he has shown me through Christ. "Would I answer in love if I were Bill?" I could not respond to myself, and found that I was indeed no different than Bob, who was found enjoying his leisure time later.

As I examine two responses, I think of something I read a long ago in Talmud, or in my subconscious mind, try to relate it to the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The parallels are undoubtedly apparent that I marvel and rejoice at the intricacy of God's work in my life.

When I think about it, these two friends of mine probably had about the same resources, same degree of closeness with me in friendship, same reason why they could have said yes or no. Yet, Bill answered in love and Bob answered in indifference. Why...? Maybe Bob really was busy at the moment. It is truly despicable of me to assume things, as a Christian and as a friend. What instigated Bill to respond differently from Bob? To be honest, I do not know. I can only speculate on the grounds of this event being too clear a coincidence. And aside from answering a difficult question, one truth is clear: the Lord's mandate to a Christian is as simple as "Love God & love your neighbor as yourself." If only that were easy. If only... all of us, especially myself, could be a good Samaritan when placed in such a situation.

I thank Bill for being my good Samaritan neighbor... Then I look into the eyes of Christ, who loved me unto the death on the cross.

I only pray that I am doing the same for others.

Be my strength.

[25] And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
[26] And He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?"
[27] And he answered, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
[28] And He said to him, "You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE."
[29] But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
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[30] Jesus replied and said, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead.
[31] "And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
[32] "Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
[33] "But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion,
[34] and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
[35] "On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, `Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.'
[36] "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?"
[37] And he said, "The one who showed mercy toward him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same."

- Luke 10:25-37