by Tim Hall

The couple was separated by 600 miles. They had met in college, fallen in love and planned to marry in the spring. His graduate studies took him to a distant state, but they kept in close touch. When he received the phone call earlier this month from her mother, it seemed like a terrible dream. His fiancé had been murdered by an intruder, stabbed several times in her apartment.

Anyone could understand the overwhelming grief the young man must have felt upon hearing the news. A passing neighbor heard his cries and stopped to see what was wrong. According to the story in the newspaper, this neighbor (he doesn't even know her last name) helped him pack a suitcase, drove him to the airport and assisted him in booking his flight. A law school student should be able to do those things for himself. But when grief is blinding, help is needed. He said he'll never forget the help this woman gave in his moment of greatest need.

Does this true story have a familiar ring? To me, it sounds much the same as one told twenty centuries ago. Jesus began by telling of the misfortune that befell a traveler; he was beaten, robbed and left for dead. After two "religious" men passed by without helping, "A certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion on him" (Luke 10:33, NKJV). The rest of the story is well known. The Samaritan spent time and personal resources to attend to the man's needs. At the end, Jesus instructed his audience to "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37).

Most of us would respond similarly if confronted by an obvious crisis. There is good within the human breast that almost always comes out in times of great need. But what about times when needs are not as obvious? Who will come to help when our sobbing can't be heard?

One solution given by our heavenly father is found in Hebrews 10:24: "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works." "Consider" is translated from a Greek word which connotes careful study and observance. [In Acts 27:39, sailors desperate for refuge from a great storm "discovered" (KJV) a bay where they hoped to safely land their ship.] Christians who follow this admonition will keep their antennas raised, looking for signs of distress among their sisters and brothers.

My times of suffering are not always revealed by audible moans or words. But for those who care to look, there are almost always visible clues written on my face, in my posture, in my overall demeanor. Those who know me can usually tell when I'm down -- and they want to find out why.

Our Lord knew the thoughts of men's hearts without having to ask (John 2:24,25). His followers are not endowed with such abilities. But by cultivating the art of closely observing one another, we'll learn to spot the signs of unspoken trials. When discovered, those with the compassion of Jesus will reach out to do whatever needs to be done.

Blinding grief will come to most of us. When it does, we'll thank God if someone hears our cries, even though silent. "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise" (Luke 6:31).