There is a tv show by this name that I have seen a few times. (It reminds me a little of the good Samaritan story in the Bible.) Anyway, the show has actors playing parts in an incident of some type to see what the bystanders will do. One time an older lady couldn't get her prescription filled because she didn't have enough money. Some of the bystanders paid the difference for her.
On the darker side are ones where people are being injured, humiliated, abused or racially discriminated and the bystanders do nothing about it. One time it was overboard college hazing: when the humiliation was to men, a few people stood against the hazers, but when the humiliation was to women, the bystanders admitted to finding it fun to watch. Imagine that!
There is an old saying which is of uncertain origin that says, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." History books are full of examples of millions being slaughtered while thousands watched it happen and did nothing. Cain asked God, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gn. 4:9) Throughout the Bible the Lord speaks about us being just, giving, loving, helping, sharing, caring, having compassion etc. So yes, he expects us to be our brother's keeper*.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Rm. 12:21
evil- kakos- of a bad nature, thinking/ feeling/ acting base, wrong, wicked, troublesome, injurious, destructive, baneful
apathy- indifference, lack of interest or concern, passivity, unresponsiveness
When we see something wrong we have a choice: to step in or step away. Whatever the reason we decide not to 'step in' to the issue, remember, what we choose today may someday affect us, and who will be there to help us, if anyone? There is a statement made by Martin Niemoller that resounds to many people. (there are many variations by Martin himself)
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up--
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me--
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up--
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me--
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
We can make a difference in this world by doing good, and maybe, just maybe, our love will show through and others will see Jesus' love through us so that they would desire to be saved. Consider others, consider helping, lifting up, pulling out, pushing forward, encouraging on, only allowing 'just' things to happen, vocally calling out evil, and standing up for what's right no matter who is watching, if we get no reward, or even if we get persecuted for it. "Do not let each man look upon his own things, but each man also on the things of others." (Php. 2:4)
Lord, help us to overcome evil with good!
*Gl. 6:2; Mt. 25:35; Pr. 3:27; 1Pt. 3:8; Hb. 13:16; 1Jh. 3:17; Rm. 15:1...