Jesus Asks, “Who Is Your Neighbor?”
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Such an essential question, asked tenderly by our Lord.
What the world needs now is love
What the world needs now is love sweet love;
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.
What the world needs now is love sweet love;
No not just for some but for everyone. (Jackie DeShannon, 1965)You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39b, ESV, Jesus’ Second Great Commandment)
If Jesus were to reverse the situation in the Good Samaritan Parable, in Luke 10: 25–29. And, actually ask me, who is my neighbor? If Christ was to look directly into my heart, for an honest answer. I believe I would answer, all people I meet.
For I have been on the receiving end of hateful discrimination. It is poisoning, right down to the core. I believe my answer would be honestly, everyone. Not because I am pure and perfect. But, because God simply fashioned me this way.
In our life of faith with Jesus. A living reflection of His love.
By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35, ESV)
As we read of Jesus’ love for all those He met. Perfect love was showered upon each one. He showed no favoritism No discrimination in word, action or impression. Each person treated as an individual of true merit. A somebody of worth and worthy to be loved.
We owe each living soul we meet no less. Jesus looks into your heart. Your Lord asks, with such tenderness. Not seeking to judge. He is merely wanting you to follow His lead. Christ Jesus, your Lord and Savior, holds your hand. He asks tenderly, who is your neighbor? You answer Him …
For God the Father has placed the answer in His Holy Word. If uncertain, Jesus tells you, in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. And, other texts of love. Jesus will guide you to the answer you are seeking.
Beloved Bible verses, such as, 1 John 4:7–12. Where Jesus tells us that, “love is from God.” And, so it is. Trusting in your heart that always following Jesus’ example is sufficient. For Jesus is God the Son. God is love.
When Jesus asks. Your answer is …
