"To help relieve suffering is to cultivate a Christlike character. We are charged, as were those who listened at the feet of the Savior 2,000 years ago, to 'go and do thou likewise.' "
The Savior taught all to him through service. Examples of charitable acts toward others include the Samaritan in Jesus' Parable of the Good Samaritan, who had compassion on the man who fell among thieves on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho.
Many modern-day Samaritans willingly serve to ease the plight of the needy. They include a volunteer team that provided humanitarian assistance in Poland and several couples who established a small cannery and a poultry feed mill in Cambodia. Also, good Samaritans include those who donate clothing to Deseret Industries, a stake Relief Society president who aids aging monks in her community and those who work to grow and process commodities to fill bishops' storehouses.
"Good Samaritanism" is "contagious . . . The giver helps those in need by sharing what he has received. The receiver accepts the offerings with gratitude. As the receiver rises to his full potential, he then is able to reach out to help others."