“Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’”

My friend Steve sent me this quote: “The Dead Sea is dead because it gives nothing away.” He was moved by it and when he shared it, I was too. No, I am not getting into oceanography (although nothing wrong with that for sure), but I read it the same way Steve did in that the Dead Sea is like you and me. If we don’t give of ourselves, then we become like the Dead Sea. It’s there but doesn’t serve the same purpose as waters that are full and giving back to fish, plant and the rest of life. We know people and companies that feel like the Dead Sea. There is no growth and there isn’t any excitement or attraction. It’s ironic, but the more we give, the more alive we can feel. When we see companies and employees give of themselves generously, the feeling of engagement and enthusiasm is nearly palpable. We need more of that in our workplaces.

The Good Samaritan gave of himself and likely felt more alive afterwards than he did before. He might have also felt the rush of taking a risk as he brought the hurt and broken man into an inn, when others would likely question what he was doing. And, his generous spirit lives on today as we look to him as an example for the rest of us, who might need feel alive at all as it relates to helping others. God wants us to be alive in body, mind and spirit. He gives us ways to be so, and certainly, giving way ourselves in His name will make us feel totally alive!

Reference: Luke 10:34-35 (New Living Translation)