Who is My Neighbor?

The Mr. Rogers show made the invitation to people “in his neighborhood” that the greatest thing they could do was help others know they are loved and capable of loving. God calls us to love our neighbors. Pastor Adam said studies show that most of us know the names of only about 10% of our neighbors. Do you know the names of any of your neighbors?

Our world is divided in all sorts of ways: ethnically, racially, politically to name just a few. That is a very tiresome way of living and not at all what God intended nor what Jesus taught. We are called to love our neighbor as ourself. What if you are located on your street in your house or apartment for a particular purpose? What if all of us began to love our neighbors regardless of color or what sports team they cheered for or anything else about them other than because God called us to love them? Pastor Adam gave everyone the homework of making an attempt at getting to know the names of your neighbors this week. Can you trust this is for our own good and not just a general rule of “being kind?”

INVITATION: Are you willing to listen to God’s voice and teaching about your neighbors? What if it stretches you out of your comfort zone (it probably will)? Do you believe at your deepest level that God can be trusted in this? Why do you think loving our neighbors is such a big deal to God and part of his teaching throughout scripture?

MONDAY: Luke 10:25-26: This teacher of the law was trying to snag Jesus with a trick question. However, Jesus turned it back on Him by asking him what was written in the law. Do you ever try to read things “into” scripture or leave things out of scripture to make it convenient on yourself? Do you try to justify your own ideas, emotions, attitudes or even sin?

TUESDAY: Luke 10:27-29: In effect this man was asking Jesus who it was okay for him NOT to love by asking “who is my neighbor?” This man seemed to be wanting an easy out to loving certain people. Are there any groups of people you have trouble loving? Are you willing to ask God to “search and know your heart” about this today (Psalm 139)? After you willingly open your heart to God, are you willing to be obedient to what He shows you?

WEDNESDAY: Luke 10:30-31: The priest was leaving from his time serving at the temple. He probably had been serving for 2 weeks. He likely was tired, worn out, tired of people and ready to be home. We have all felt this way. Maybe particularly pastors. Yet this obviously injured and needy person is in the road right in front of him so that he has to change his course (cross the road) in order to avoid him. The priest could have actually even taught about “loving neighbors” during his time in the temple. Who have you avoided recently? Are you willing to ask God to bring someone into your path today or this week in order for you to serve even if you don’t feel like it and it is inconvenient?

THURSDAY: Luke 10:32: The Levi also had just left the temple where he had been performing his music, political, and educational duties. He, too, crossed the road to avoid the injured man on the road. Have you ever had a time in your life when you felt you had done enough for God and could then slack for a while? Do you ever take time “off” from living for God? Maybe its with certain people or in certain places or maybe when you are on vacation?

FRIDAY: Luke 10:33-35: The Samaritan helps the man in need. He goes above and beyond and takes him to an inn and paid for it. How do you find compassion in your life when you are tired, worn out and your “well” is empty? Do you remember to rely on the strength of God IN you as opposed to your own strength?

SATURDAY: Luke 10:36-37: Jesus says the one who showed mercy (the Samaritan) was the true “neighbor” in this parable. Pray for God to show you who needs mercy this week amongst the people in your life who are your “neighbors.”