Who Counts as My Neighbor?

Daily Scripture Threshing for Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Today’s Text:  Luke 10:25-37

Key Verse: Luke 10:37 (ESV): "He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Who do you consider your neighbor? Is it only those who live nearby or look like you? What does Jesus say about who our neighbors are? What about if we all put ourselves in the same shoes as the traveler in the story, beaten and left on the side of the road. Who would we want to stop and help us? Only our friends and family members, or anyone who sees our need, and could quickly get to help? I guess anyone, right?! Yes, we are all in some needs of help one way or the other.

Now, let us also put ourselves in the shoes of the Samaritan. What do you think would motivate any of us to help anyone from a different race and religion? Why would we want to show compassion and kindness to someone in need? As believers in Jesus Christ, we are commanded to "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). So, thinking from the perspective above, who would you think counts as our neighbor? The answer is anyone in need, regardless of their background or circumstances.

According to the submission of Jesus in this parable, a neighbor is anyone who is in need; someone nearby (physically or circumstantially); and anyone who requires assistance or support. In Jesus's definition of "neighbor," it include people outside our immediate circle or community, from different backgrounds, cultures, or beliefs, whom we encounter, regardless of their situation or condition. Indeed, our neighbor is anyone we can show love, kindness, and compassion to, just like the Good Samaritan did. It could be the person sitting next to us on public transportation, a coworker struggling with a project, a single parent trying to make ends meet, a refugee seeking asylum, or that homeless person on the street corner. Anyone we encounter, whatever their story, is our neighbor.

Action Step: Look for ways to serve someone who may not be like you. Offer a smile, a listening ear, and a helping hand. Practice loving your neighbors. It is a reflection of God's love for us. Pray for opportunities to show love and kindness to those in need.

Quote for the Day: "The love for others taught by Jesus is not what we confess. It is somethingwe express. Yes, not what we say. It is what we do. It is, Go and do likewise." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, let your love and compassion be the guiding force in my life. Help me to see the needs of those around me and to respond with kindness and generosity, just like the Good Samaritan. Give me the courage to go and do likewise, to take action and make a difference in the lives of others. May my heart be moved with empathy and my hands be moved to serve. May the command go and do likewise, be a guidepost of my life as I strive to follow you and serve others — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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