Lessons on Kindness from the Good Samaritan

In our ongoing series of articles on the Fruit of the Spirit in Missional Enterprise, we take a deeper look today at the quality of Kindness. In a previous article, we explored a variety of scriptural admonitions to kindness and their application to the world of missional business. This week, we look specifically at one of the scripture’s most-loved stories.

The story of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:25-37, is one of Jesus’ most well-known parables. While often viewed as a lesson in compassion, it also offers a profound framework for understanding kindness in action. Notably, the Samaritan in Jesus’ story can be understood as a businessman on a trade route. As the Theology of Work Project explains:

“The Samaritan in Jesus’ story comes upon the Jew injured by robbers along a well-known trading route. The Samaritan likely traveled that trade route often, as evidenced by the fact that he was known at a nearby inn and deemed trustworthy enough by the innkeeper to demand an extension of services on credit. Whatever the nature of his business, the Samaritan was successful enough to be able to afford oil and wine for medicinal purposes and lodging at an inn for a complete stranger. He is willing to spend his money on the stranger, and his time too. The Samaritan puts his other business on hold to see to the needs of the injured stranger.”

This perspective invites leaders of missional enterprises to see kindness as both practical and transformative. Let’s explore how the Samaritan’s actions highlight different aspects of kindness in practice.

1. Kindness Takes Initiative to Show Compassion

The Samaritan “came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him” (Luke 10:33). Unlike the priest and the Levite, who avoided the injured man, the Samaritan took the initiative to engage with compassion. Compassion is a caring response to the distress and hurt of another person, along with the desire to alleviate that distress. For missional leaders, kindness begins with seeing needs and stepping into them. It’s about noticing the pain, challenges, or opportunities for support in your team, customers, or community — and not just feeling sorry, but choosing to act.

2. Kindness Sees Beyond Differences

Despite the profound differences in nationality, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, the Good Samaritan acknowledges and accepts the hurting man fundamentally as a person. The hurt man is Jewish, and the helper is a Samaritan, which could easily prompt them to avoid each other, or even seek to cause harm to the other. Yet the Samaritan was able to put these differences aside and simply see that the Jewish man was hurt and needed help. We all live with lots of labels. We quickly divide ourselves into various tribes and groups with clear thoughts about who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. Christ’s call to kindness will require that we drop some of our labels and step into some situations where love, grace, and kindness are needed.

3. Kindness Involves Sacrifice and Commitment

“He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine” (Luke 10:34). The Samaritan used his own resources to care for the injured man. True kindness often requires giving what we have—whether it’s time, money, or skills—to meet the needs of others. As leaders, this might mean investing in employee development, offering generous customer service, or supporting community initiatives, even at a cost. In addition, the Samaritan didn’t just provide temporary aid; he committed to the injured man’s ongoing recovery: “Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him” (Luke 10:34). For missional enterprises, this reflects the importance of long-term thinking in kindness. Building a culture of care involves sustained effort, from mentoring employees to developing products and services that truly benefit customers.

The Ripple-Effects of Kindness

The Samaritan told the innkeeper, “Look after him . . . and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have” (Luke 10:35). His reputation and trustworthiness enabled him to secure help for the injured man. In business, kindness fosters trust with stakeholders. When leaders consistently act with integrity and generosity, they create environments where people feel safe and valued.

Jesus concludes the parable by telling the expert in the law, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37). The Samaritan’s actions demonstrate the kind of love and kindness God calls us to embody. By following the example of the Good Samaritan, leaders of missional enterprises can integrate kindness into the fabric of their work. For missional leaders, this means aligning our business practices with the character of Christ and letting kindness guide our decisions and interactions. As we compassionately take initiative, see beyond differences, and act with sacrificial commitment, God’s kindness shines through us, reflecting God’s love in the marketplace and making a meaningful impact on those we serve.

Verse of the Week:

“What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?”

“The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded.

Jesus said, “Go and do the same.” Luke 10:36-37 (MSG)

Jesus’s final challenge to the religious leader remains the same challenge to us 2,000 years later. “Go and do the same.”