Christians' Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Light of the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-35)

Abstract

The outbreak of covid-19 in 2019 through 2021 distorted many human activities in Nigeria just like in many other countries around the  world. As the cases of the virus increased, the Nigerian Government shut down the country to curb the spread of the deadly virus.  Businesses, therefore, were closed for a long time. This affected many families negatively. In some parts of the country, vehicular  movement was restricted. The predominant mentality during this time had shifted toward personal safety, with the belief that the best  way to handle the spread of the virus was avoidance of human contact. This made some Christians neglect the work of charity and mercy.  This article, therefore, explores how committed Christians, amid the Covid-19 confusion and sometimes inconsistent government  advice, could build upon extraordinary evidence of neighbourliness during a crisis like the covid-19. This research uses a qualitative  method based on library research to explore Jesus' teaching on Christians' response amid crisis, using the parable of the Good Samaritan  in Luke 10:25-35 as a model. Adopting the social context of the parable, this article reflects on the moral lessons from the  parable of Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-35, to examine God's recommendation in situations where assistance would naturally mean  endangering one's life. The moral lesson from the parable also confirms the implications for Christians today in responding to the  economic and health crises caused by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. The conclusion drawn from this study reveals that  Christians should have faith in God who sustains their lives during the pandemic and take actions that are in line with their faith. Prosperous Christians should be willing and ready to bless other Christians who are suffering more. The Good Samaritan parable   becomes a model of such priority of values.