Way off track

We have been having a discussion in our Sunday school class about the parable of the Good Samaritan. In fact we have been focused on this one issue for the past 3 months. The questions is: what should our response be to  seeing someone hurt or being "beaten up", whatever that means.


We read a story about a Good Samaritan in one city that found a dog in a ditch that had beaten up and abandoned and helped it. The kids all thought that was pretty cool. I agreed it was nice to do, but then I asked them why it was easier to help a dog than it was to help a person. There response was that it was safer to help a dog than a person. They reflect what many people think.


If we read the scripture God commands us, not suggests or tells us it would be a good idea, but commands us to love our brother and sister in need and do something about their situation. We have been studying this too! So I asked the question why do you think it is better for you to help an animal than a person. The overwhelming response was that their parents and society has told them to not get involved. How sad is that!


I am not slamming my teens, they are just a reflection of how messed up our world has become. 


I then asked the question, what would happen if you were the person laying on the ground and beat up.How would you feel if everyone just walked by you? What if everyone just chose to not get involved? It was a completely different response, they would want to receive help.


The golden rule we used to be taught was to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. We also know from scripture that we are to love our brothers and sisters, and to love them as we love ourselves. 


Somehow we have gotten way off track! Does anyone else feel the same way? Thoughts...