Back in the days of Jesus, the Samaritans (and tax collectors as well!) were viewed and treated pretty much like df'd and da'd people are today. YET..Jesus chose to use a Samaritan in his parable that so aptly answered the question of: "Who is my neighbor?" It was the Samaritan that performed the act of kindess toward a man who belonged to the 'chosen race' while fellow 'chosen ones' chose to ignore his plight. Jesus chose a tax collector to be one of his beloved apostles.
Helping with a flat tire was mentioned here. True experience: A brother walks into the KH and I tell him hello. He grins and informs me that he's just passed up Brother J- who was on the side of the road changing a tire. I asked him why he didn't stop to see if he needed help and he promptly replied: "I didn't have time, I was almost late for the meeting already."
Another true experience: The announcement was made from the platform that a certain sister was in the hospital and that she would appreciate a visit from 'the friends'. I heard one sister tell another one after the meeting: "Well, I don't have time to go visit..I'm auxillary pioneering this month and I barely have the time to put in the rest of my time."
When is the last time you heard a C.O. give an example in one of his talks about a kindly sister or brother missing a meeting to help someone in need? When is the last time you heard a C.O. mention someone missing Saturday morning field service to go cut some elderly sister's lawn because she could not do it? When, if ever, is it stated from the platform that acts of kindness are preferred over meetings and field service? What happened to: "Go, then, and learn what this means, 'I want mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came to call, not righteous people, but sinners." (Matt 9:13 NWT)???
