Those who do not help others in a dangerous situation, even though they are able to rescue them without exposing themselves or people close to them to danger, shall be punished by imprisonment for no more than three years. Article 247 of the Polish Criminal Law, 1932
Those who do not rescue another person from danger, despite the fact that it is not a situation where they may become endangered, shall be punished by imprisonment for no more than five years or by a fine of no less than 360 francs nor more than 15,000 francs. Paragraph 2 of Article 63 of the French Criminal Law
Some countries like Poland and France have laws to punish those who see others in danger but do not rescue them, even though they themselves suffer no harm or damage. This law is called the “Good Samaritan Law,” which originated from a parable told by Jesus.
A Jewish man fell into the hands of robbers, who took away everything from him and left him half dead. A priest happened to see him, but he just passed him by. A Levite saw the man and ignored him as well. But a Samaritan, when he saw him, took pity on him, treated his wounds and took good care of him (Lk 10:30–37).
Now there are numerous souls throughout the world who are falling down while trembling in fear because of disasters that are continuously occurring. In this time of disaster, what kind of people should we be? Jesus said, “Go and do the same as the good Samaritan.” We should all become the good Samaritans who earnestly deliver the good news of salvation to the dying souls with a sincere heart full of love, instead of just passing them by.
In this age, what kind of person is a true neighbor like the good Samaritan?