A GOOD NEIGHBOR

A GOOD NEIGHBOR

READ:
Luke 10:29-37

Beloved, if God so loved us,
we also ought to love one
another.  -1 John 4:11

In June 2011, when disastrous flood-waters chased residents of Minot, North Dakota, from their homes, the people of that community did what seemed to come naturally to them-they helped others who were in need.  People from more than an hour away, without being asked, showed up to help.  Some loaned their campers to those who lost their homes and others allowed their garages to be used for temporary storage.  The people of North Dakota were showing what it means to be good neighbors.

As followers of Christ, being good neighbors-showing love to others-should come naturally to us as well (Matthew 22:39; John 13:35; 1 John 4:7-11).  Even though we may not have the opportunity to respond in a dramatic way to a natural disaster, we can all look for ways to love those around us.  To be good neighbors, we can show others mercy  (Luke 10:29-37), treat others fairly (Leviticus 19:13-18; James 2:1-8), speak to others truthful (Ephesians 4:25), and forgive others completely (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).

Christians can be the best neighbors around because our love for others flows out of the life of the ultimate neighbor-Jesus Christ-who loved and sacrificed His life for us.-Marvin Williams

Oh, to be like Him, tender and kind,
Gentle in spirit, lowly in mind;
More like to Jesus, day after day,
Filled with His Spirit now and always. -Ellsworth
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Our love for Christ is only as real
as our love for our neighbor.

INSIGHT
In today's passage, our Lord underscores the importance of breaking down social barriers to meet the needs of another.  Samaritans were ostracized by the Jews.  Surprisingly then, a Samaritan is cast as the hero of the story.  Often we form relationships with those who are like us.  But as the story illustrates, we are to care equally about those who are not.

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace