WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR?
The word 'neighbour' is one of the many words that repeatedly appear in the Bible. In Luke 10:27, the Bible says: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself”. It is worthy of note that the commandment to love our neighbor comes immediately after the commandment to love God; it is that important.
Who is my neighbour?
In responding to this question, Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:27-37). Jesus taught who our neighbors are (anyone who we are in a position to help) and what it means to love them as we love ourselves. Jesus makes an important point in this tale: the priest and Levite, who were regarded as the most holy and moral individuals at that time failed to demonstrate love and compassion for the injured man.The Samaritan however, whom the Jews considered an outcast and a sinner, showed compassion.
The commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves, according to John 13:34-35 goes beyond simply loving those who are like us or with whom we naturally get along: It entails loving everyone, even those who are different from us or whom we may consider enemies. According to Jesus’ teaching, we must show love to anyone who needs assistance, irrespective of religion or origin. We have a duty to be like the Good Samaritan, because by loving our neighbors, we portray Christ's love, and that if the core of our faith. SHALOM!
CONFESSION
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word. Give me the grace to identify my neighbours who are in need and assist them in God’s love, in Jesus' Name. Amen.