LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR
“But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?"
Luke 10:29
Child of God, are you a good neighbor?
In this world of road rage, lawsuits, and violence, you have to wonder whatever
happened to kindness? It seems that gone are the days when being cordial, polite
and courteous was the rule and not the exception. Just as Jesus foretold in
Matthew 24:12, “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall
wax cold”, the consequence of sin has eroded our relationships with each
other as human beings. We are living in a world where, from our children to
our teens to adults, it is ok and acceptable not to care about the wellbeing
and good of others. Being mean is not only ok but, often celebrated. Nevertheless,
it is in dark times like these, when the light of Christ must shine even brighter
among and through those who have committed themselves to following in His footsteps.
Now, more than ever,
God needs those who are called by His name, to make the commitment that, no
matter how cold the world may get, I am still going to “love my neighbor
as I love myself.”
In this familiar incident captured in Luke 10:25-37, Jesus not only informs
us as to what is most important to God for us to inherit eternal life but, he
gives us a vivid illustration of how to fulfill what God is asking of us. In
essence, Jesus says, who your neighbor is isn’t as important as being
a neighbor. It is all about showing love, compassion and mercy to everyone.
That’s what being a good neighbor is about. For the Christian, it means
being mindful of the needs of those around us who are hurting spiritually, mentally
and physically and being motivated to do something to alleviate their suffering.
That’s a good neighbor.
When you consider the people whose path God allows you to cross, don’t
be as those who are unconcerned about those who are hurting in your world. Don’t
just “pass by on the other side” when it is within your power to
do something to alleviate your neighbors suffering. Don’t be as those
who see others in need but choose only to point the finger of pity and blame
at those who are victims of Satan’s devices. While it may be true that
you cannot help everybody, it is true that you can help somebody. The key to
being a good neighbor is to learn how to have compassion for others especially
those who have been stripped, wounded and left for dead by the enemy.
Child of God, never forget the compassion and mercy Christ showed for you when
you were dead in your trespasses and sins and the sacrifice or lengths he went
through to save you. If we keep in memory the cross and what God has done for
us, we will be more apt and ready to show that same compassion and mercy to
those around us. Just like the Samaritan, be aware of those around you who are
hurting, have compassion and do what you can to let the love of God work in
you and through you so you can be a good neighbor and inherit eternal life.
WEEKLY CHALLENGE: Read Luke 10:25-37. Do you have “neighbors” (people)
around you who are hurting? Ask God to help you develop a compassionate heart
for those who are suffering and the wisdom and discernment needed to show them
the love of God by the things you do.
By Anthony Campbell
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