KickingBird
Posts: 8
Joined: 6/8/2008
Status: offline
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Hi All,
Thank you Wild-Rose for not laughing at me for asking this question, everyone else, too.  I am relatively new to Christianity, my first ventures in study were jumping head-long into theology and I missed many of the basics, such as this parable; but it is just so real. I really felt the Samaratin was a Christian because of his great love and compassion.
The reason I asked is because this topic came up on another forum. Someone asked the question, "Are moral acts of non-believers considered good in God's eyes." I replied that there is none that doeth good, no, not one. To which another poster said that the good Sam was an example of a non-believer doing a good act, and that God did not feel it was an expression of our righteousness being filthy rags. This person seemed to deny all that God declares about our depravity.
Which made me think that even though a moral act is done by a non-believer and NOT done all to the glory of the Lord, God would still consider the act a good one. The act in and of itself was good, the motivation behind the act is what God truly judges. Acts and motivation are two different things. Also, for God to not say it was a good act, even though it came from a wrong motive (a non-believer), would be impossible. He cannot deny good and merciful acts, even though the motives are wrong. Hope ya'll can follow my train of thought. 
Anyway, I found this parable fascinating on several levels. It is not necessarily who are neighbor is, but do any of us have that kind of "go the distance love" for another. This Sam gave above and beyond the call of duty. It is also interesting that God would choose a Sam, who was the most unlikely of all to show such humanity. Just goes to show that God is no respecter of persons, and that we will be surprised who we see in heaven, it may not be the Priest, Pastor or the church Elders.
Interesting parable. Now that I know. 
Sorry if I used the wrong smiley. Not used to these yet.
Bless you all.
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