Who is our neighbor? Whom do we think is our neighbor? The one who lives next door? The one living in our town? In our community? Those in the whole earth?
God told us throughout the Old Testament that we are to treat the stranger among us as one of us. This is repeated many ways to make sure the children of Israel remembered it and understood what God expected of them. God was very clear on this and Jesus expounded on it.
Deuteronomy 10:18-19 He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Luke 10:29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said “And who is my neighbor?”
When asked this Jesus responded clearly in His parable. The parable of The Good Samaritan. Samaritan’s were most hated among the Jews at that time and were considered as dogs. Yet, Jesus went to the Samaritans to the woman at the well and they believed Jesus was the Messiah and said the actions of this Samaritan were right.
Luke 10:33-34 But a certain Samaritan as he journeyed, came where he was and when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn and took care of him.
After Jesus spoke this parable He asked the lawyer a question and gave him a command.
Luke 10:36-37 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among thieves? And he said, ” He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
Did God leave any room in His word, or in His commandments, for prejudice? For racism?
Lord, You created man in your own image. Search our hearts and clean out all that does not please You? In Jesus name amen.
