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Jesus lived a life of radical inclusiveness, creating relationships with those who would not have been socially and religiously acceptable in His day. I mean, women were among His followers! He ate with tax collectors! By Jesus’ examples, we can clearly see that we are called to befriend those who need help, or those who simply need a friend. If there was any doubt in people’s minds about Jesus’ philosophy about relationships, the story He told about the Good Samaritan erased it. This was the story of a Samaritan, a member of a group widely thought to be awful by those listening to Jesus’ story. This Samaritan helped a hurting person when no one else would, not even a religious leader who passed by. The Samaritan didn’t even stop and think about it; he gathered up the wounded traveler by the side of the road, took him to an inn, and paid for his care. He gave of his time, energy, and money for another. We are to be the Good Samaritan. Jesus calls us to give of ourselves for others who are hurting and in need of help. Yes, we want to bring them to Jesus, but one first step is to build relationships with them. Once we have developed trust, then we can more easily introduce them to the God who has called us to love. Just wait and see how God will change the world as we reach out to those in need. This is Luis Palau.