Good Samaritan
The expression comes from one of Jesus' parables (stories with a meaning) [Luke 10: 25-37]. Jesus talks to a religious scholar. They agree that a good life involves loving God and your neighbours. The scholar asks Jesus to explain the concept of neighbour. In reply, he cites this parable:
A traveller on a remote road is beaten and robbed by bandits. Several people pass by but do not help because they do not want to get involved with a potentially a dangerous situation.
Then along comes a Samaritan, a person who comes from Samaria. He stops, gives first aid, takes the traveller to the nearest village, books him into the local inn to rest and recover, and leaves money to cover his bill.
Jesus asks the scholar who the good neighbour in the story is. When he says it is the Samaritan, Jesus tells him to follow his example.
When you make a special effort to help a stranger - showing you regard them as your neighbour - you are being a selfless Good Samaritan.
In 1953, a charity group called The Samaritans was founded. It is most famous for its telephone helpline which allows anyone who is upset and feeling alone to talk about their problems to someone who will listen sympathetically and treat them as a dear neighbour.
