Speaking Up

It can happen at any place or at any time. We might witness a crime or just see something being said or done that is wrong. How do we respond? We can be tempted to do nothing and stay silent, not wanting to get involved.

But the Bible teaches the principle of personal responsibility. God holds us accountable for our actions even when we are just observers. Jesus illustrated this principle by telling the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). In this story, three men encountered a man who had been “attacked by robbers,” stripped of his clothes, beaten, and left “half dead” (v. 30).

All three men had an opportunity to act. The first, a priest, saw the man but “passed by on the other side” (Luke 10:32). The second, a Levite, saw the man, but he, too, ignored him. Finally, a Samaritan took pity and helped him. He took the time and trouble to bandage the man’s wounds and then brought him to an inn. He paid the bill and made sure he was cared for. His actions cost him something, but he had done the right thing.

This Samaritan could not remain silent or do nothing. Jesus told this parable to give us an example of how we should act. We should not be detached or indifferent but care, be prepared to speak up, do the right thing, get involved, and “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).