Who Is My Neighbor?

               As I read the scriptures in Luke 10:29-37 quoted below, I first pondered on (v 36), the phrase  “…he that showed mercy on him.”  However, the more I studied I felt the need to go back to the original question, ‘…who is my neighbor?”  I am afraid that most of us would consider, from our modern definition of neighbor, only those living immediately around our home, (our Next door neighbor.)

              Yet, as Jesus defines neighbor, a neighbor is whoever is “Next to you” at any given time.  So, that could be that elderly gentleman or gentle lady that needed help opening the door.  On the other hand, it could be that person you talked to at Thrift Way or the “Mall.”  It could be that Soldier walking down the street you just passed by.  In all these cases, they are “Next to you neighbors.”  Our spouses, our children, grandchildren, and all other relatives are also “our neighbors.”

              So now we have a better definition of neighbor.  However, there is still a portion we haven’t included.  It is, “…He that showed mercy on him.”  So our definition is complete.  When we apply our definition, our neighbor becomes those in which we have shown mercy.

              Have you told “all you have met” about the marvelous Mercy, and the wondrous Grace, (our Lord and Saviour Jesus?)  Have you told them how to receive that Mercy and His Grace?  Have you told them of the mansion He has built for you?  Have you told them about Jesus, His saving Grace, His Amazing Grace?  Have you told them?  If not, then what kind of neighbor are you?

              Jesus tells us to follow His Commands.  He tells us in Mark 16:15 … Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  We as Christians, born again believers, are to help spread the Gospel.  None is exempt.  We are all under the command of “…Go ye …” However, we tend to forget this the moment we leave Church.  When we read it in our Bible, we believe it is for someone else.  If you have claimed Jesus the Christ as your Saviour, these, and all those other hard to take verses are for you.

              It is time for us to “recognize our neighbors,” and get busy with the business of the Lord.  Let us be found working “till” Jesus comes.  Amen

Bro John R. E Chastain

Luke 10:29-37  But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?  (30)  And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.  (31)  And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  (32)  And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.  (33)  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,  (34)  And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  (35)  And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.  (36)  Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?  (37)  And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.