6 Times a Total Stranger Became a 'Good Samaritan' and Saved Someone's Life

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus shares the story of a Jewish traveler who is beaten and left for dead along the side of the road. A Jewish priest and a Levite walk by, ignoring him. Then, a Samaritan walks by and helps him, despite the fact that Samaritans and Jewish people didn’t tend to get along. The parable has inspired the phrase “Good Samaritan” to describe someone who helps a stranger.

In today’s world, helping a stranger is one of the most selfless things you can do. Whether it is putting your life at risk to save someone from a burning building, or simply returning a lost wallet. While helping a friend is always important, there is something about someone helping a stranger that brings tears to our eyes, reminding us that, in fact, there is still good in the world.

Here are 6 examples of when a total stranger became a “Good Samaritan” and helped save someone else’s life.

5 Boys and Their Father Were Saved By Good Samaritan After an Explosion

A father of five, Tom Richie, and his boys decided to take a trip to their storage unit. However, a 100-pound propane tank was leaking gas. Tom lit a lighter, and it triggered an explosion. The family was severely burned and needed help.

This was when a neighbor, Dallas Lee, saw the explosion and rushed to the scene. He helped Tom get all of the kids out and to safety.

13-Year-Old Jumps Into Lake to Save Child Stuck Under the Dock

One summer afternoon at Silver Lake near Everett, Washington, kids were playing on a dock, having a fun day on the water. Then, an 11-year-old boy vanished underneath the water. That’s when 13-year-old Gauge Bryant jumped into the lake and saved the young boy. He was quite the hero even at his young age.

Young Girl is Saved by Good Samaritan After Falling 15 Feet Into a Waterfall

Kiya Livingston was at the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail in Arkansas with her 3-year-old daughter, Melody Hop. The water in the river was higher than when they had visited before. Kiya looked away for just a few seconds, and Melody fell into the water and was swept away.

A man who spotted her along the river jumped in and pulled her out, saving her life. Kiya and her family were forever grateful for the stranger's actions that day.

Three Superhero Teens Saved Man on Railroad Tracks After Spotting Him From Their Classroom

In the small city of Ottumwa, Iowa, three Gateway High School seniors, Clinton Ring, Paul Clanry, and Daveson Hartman, were at school one day when Paul saw a man in distress through the window.

Paul grabbed Clinton and Daveson, and all three ran outside to help the man. It was truly a selfless act, going out of their way to help a stranger.

When Floodwaters Rose, One Teen’s Courage Became a Lifeline for Strangers

18-year-old Thomas Ruzzano and his girlfriend had finished watching a movie at Mizner Park in Boca Raton, Florida, when the weather turned, and floodwaters began to rise. More than eight inches of rain fell in a downpour. Cars were stranded, and the water kept climbing.

That’s when Thomas jumped in, went car to car, and made sure everyone was okay. One man was stuck, and Thomas and a few others had to help get him out and to safety. Thomas was there when it mattered, helping others get to where they needed to go and out of harm’s way.

‘Good Samaritan’ Saves Pregnant Woman From Sinking Car, She Then Has Baby On Her Birthday

A man in Florida spotted a car that was sinking into a pond. His instincts took over, and he went to save the woman inside. The man, Logan, ran to the water, swam to the car, opened the door, and helped the pregnant woman to safety.

Not only did Logan save the woman, but he also saved the baby, who was born soon after. 

These stories remind us that when others are in need, we can step in and help them however we can.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” - Luke 10:27

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Featured Image Credit: CANVA 

Julie Provost is a GodUpdates staff writer and editor. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, three boys, and little dog Max. She loves to read, go to the movies, and enjoy time with family and friends.