Oxford Dictionary defines a neighbor as a “person living near or next door to the speaker or person referred to.” However, Jesus broadens and deepens this definition in Luke 10:25-37 when He shares the well-known story of the Good Samaritan. In this scripture, a lawyer attempts to test Jesus by asking Him, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29.) Jesus responds with a parable about a man who was brutally beaten and left for dead while traveling on the road to Jericho. A priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan each encounter the injured man, but only the Samaritan chooses to stop and provide help. After recounting the story, Jesus poses a question to the lawyer: “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And [the lawyer] answered, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus instructs him, “Go and do the same.” (Luke 10:36-37.) This parable reminds us that God calls each and every one of us to treat all people with mercy, regardless of their background, circumstances, or identity.
Is it easy to treat everyone as we would want to be treated ourselves? Let’s be honest, no, it isn’t easy. It can often be incredibly challenging. However, when we choose to show kindness, patience, and mercy to others, we are actually reflecting God’s love to them in a tangible way. 1 Corinthians 13, famously known as the chapter on love, provides detailed guidance on how we should express love to our neighbors. We are called to be patient with them, to be kind, and to live free of envy or boasting. After all, we want others to treat us with patience, kindness, and understanding. But how will they ever come to understand the true nature of God’s kindness and patience if we don’t make an effort to demonstrate it to them in our own actions?
Let’s be real for a moment—we all have people in our lives who test our ability to be kind and loving. Sometimes it’s the neighbor whose music is consistently a little too loud, or perhaps it’s a coworker who makes the workplace feel draining or difficult. Our natural reaction might be to match their behavior with negativity or frustration, but if we respond in that way, nothing will change. Their actions won’t improve, and the cycle of negativity will continue. Instead, we must take the higher road by sharing God’s love with them, even when it feels undeserved. By doing so, we provide an opportunity for them to experience His grace and presence through us. Once they come to know Jesus for themselves, He will transform their hearts, enabling them to reflect God’s kindness, patience, and love to others in turn.
Remember, kindness always wins. Even when it feels hard, even when it seems unnoticed, it makes a difference.
Written by Sarah Fry-Leasure
Add comment
Comments