Sin if we don't aid stranded drivers?

[joecap]

You know how sometimes you are driving down the road, and maybe see someone pulled over with car trouble…I often have guilty feelings that I should stop and see if they need any help.

The sinful part of me says that I really don’t have time to stop, or I will be late for work, or picking up my daughter, etc.

But I also rationalize my feelings, saying that you can’t really trust people these days…and I can’t justify something bad happening to me for the sake of my family.
I also assume that almost everyone has a cell phone these days.

Are we required to assist our brothers and sisters in all cases, because of the command to love one another?

I can say that I have stopped to help people on occasion, like if they are changing a tire or ran out of gas, but in this busy world, those are exceptions.

I often fantasize that if I were rich, I would set aside a few hours a day to specifically cruise the freeways with the intention of cautiously approaching people that need help, to maybe give them the money they need for a repair, etc.

What are your thoughts on this?

 

[bilop]

Why not just call the highway patrol or local police?

They will come and arrange for towing etc.

 

[LilyM]

If you feel the need to check on them, you’ve basically got two options:

1. If all your doors are locked, roll your window down just a teeny bit so you can be heard, and ask if they need help. Keep your foot near that gas pedal while doing so.
2. If you have a cellphone with you, perhaps get in touch with the nearest police station (avoid using 911 if possible, since it’s not a real emergency) or if you have a breakdown service for your car see if they’re willing to help someone else on your behalf???

 

[puzzleannie]

You pose a hazard to yourself, to the stranded motorists and to every one else on the free way if you stop and get out (and if you slow down to ask questions). The proper thing to do is to call the city police or highway patrol, giving accurate location. If you don’t know how to fix a car, what good are you doing? If it were a dire emergency that would be a different thing, but it is hard to imagine a situation where you or I could be of more use than professionals whose job it is. Someone walking on the freeway, especially a woman or child, I would stop for, trying to do so safely because that person is in immediate danger, and I have done so, even with my kids in the car. If I were a woman alone in the car or with a child I would not stop for a man unless he appeared to be injured. Sorry, that is simply the world we live it, but I would of course call police.

 

[dulcissima]

Do you have #77 where you live? You can just dial that and help will be sent to the stranded driver.

 

[LindaS]

Sin is intentional, that is, you must intend to commit an act while knowing that it is wrong. Stopping to aid a stranded motorist, or not stopping, is not a wrong act. Certainly charity can support us in being helpful to another, but as others have pointed out, you can do that by calling for help for the stranded motorist, without putting yourself in any danger. Unfortunately, nowadays, it is risky for someone to offer help to another.

Peace,
Linda

 

[joecap]

Yes, I agree that sin must be intentional, but I keep in mind that I can also commit a sin of omission.

Generally, I try to behave as if Jesus was sitting right next to me.
(Actually, He IS sitting right next to me, but when you don’t see Him, it is easy to get lazy.)

I have stopped for women alone, but for a group of men, I would be hesitant.

Thanks for your answers.

 

[litllulu]

I have pondered this as well. Why don’t you just use your cell phone and call for help for them. I don’t trust anyone. It might be a different story if it is a woman with young children.