Love Thy Neighbor, As Thyself

"We can live without our friends but not without our neighbors."  - Thomas Fuller

Like many of you, I live in a neighborhood. A general definition of a neighborhood is: a district or locality, often with reference to its character or inhabitants. Maybe this is more familiar to you as a community.

Naturally, there may be differences due to the area in which we live. But, most would agree that a neighborhood is where a group of neighbors reside. So, what is a neighbor? Some might answer: a person who lives near another. Others may say: one's fellow human being. Actually both are essentially correct!

The Old Testament has a different interpretation of the word "neighbor" than that found in the New Testament. In the O.T., the word "neighbor"was used somewhat more restrictively by the Pharisees. A "neighbor" didn't include anyone outside of their own nation. They had to be of their own kind, and with similar beliefs (Leviticus 19:18). Anyone who didn't meet this criteria was considered an enemy.

In the N.T., the concept of a "neighbor" was expanded by Jesus to include enemies, too. He used "neighbor" in reference to "a person who shows kindliness or helpfulness toward his or her fellow humans." In essence, we are to "love our neighbor" (Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:31). The key element that made Jesus' definition of neighbor different in a big way was "love."

Somewhere along the way, Jesus' interpretation of what a "neighbor" is has gotten so muddled up that it has become almost unrecognizable. In many cases, the word has taken on entirely different connotations. Instead of seeing someone as a "neighbor" the way Christ intended, we have have attached hurtful, hateful, and unchristlike labels to it.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus is asked, "And who is my neighbor?" In Luke 10:30-37 he plainly illustrates this. We are shown the difference between a mere physical relationship between persons, and a moral one. Being a true neighbor is not based so much on our similarities, but rather the opportunity and capability to help each other.

If we are to genuinely love our neighbor, as Christ desires, then don't you think we should follow his Divine, impartial example? Mark 12:28-32 tells us the importance of loving our neighbor. Loving God, and each other, is our duty as both, caring and compassionate Christians, and human beings. W must never forget this. (Mark 12:31)

Scripture: Luke 6:27; John 15:12; 1 John 4:21; James 2:8; 1 John 3:23

  

Prayer: Dear Jesus, provide me with Your bountiful compassion and love; so that I might better serve those who are in need, in Your name. Amen

May God bless you always!

Brandi