Neighboring
In my Heartlight.org article this week about the Good Samaritan parable of Jesus, I look at what it means to love our neighbors. The following words are key to getting a crucial point embedded in the parable:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind”; and, “Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27).
The key to loving our neighbor is really loving God. We become like what we love. Or in the case of Jesus’ statement, we ultimately become like the One we love!
Of course pet “owners” are repeatedly kidded that they look like their pets. The following dog owners seem to validate that premise!
While this is humorous and makes for good light night show faire, we have all experienced the deeper reality behind the truth. Recently I sat with several others and listened to a son, a daughter, and several grandchildren talk with admiration and love for their recently departed grandmother. A friend of mine ask them how this dear lady had impacted their lives. Each of them could share something significantly good that they had as part of their lifestyle that they picked up from their mother and grandmother. They had become like the one they love!
This is crucial because I believe that the foundational reason we serve our neighbors is because of our love for God. As His love transforms to be more like Him, we are going to go about “neighboring” those around us. Since Jesus is the clearest example of what it means to “love our neighbor,” so the more we know and admire the Lord, the more we are going to be transformed to be like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18).
To better get a sense of how Jesus loved his neighbor, let me share a few places to look and learn more about Jesus. Make a list of all the different kinds of people Jesus served — take a quick scan of the gospels to remind yourself of all the different kinds of people Jesus’ life touched in a redemptive way (Matthew 8:1-38; Mark 9:1-50; Mark 3:1-64; Luke 7:1-50 are a good start). Now give the following questions an opportunity to work in your life!
What do you think the message is for you and how you are to “neighbor” others based on Jesus’ example?
So what’s the point of all of this?
How would you describe what “neighboring” others means in your daily life?
What leads you to keep from “neighboring” those who need our help?
What makes it hard “neighboring” others you may not know?
What makes it hard “neighboring” those you do know?
I really would love to get your responses on this! Have a great week.
In the town where I live, I know just about everyone. The population is less than 1500. Greeting each other, and discussing needs and prayer requests comes pretty easy.
At the same time, when we go to our houses, there is the problem. My neighbors and I do not talk when we are on our own property. The veil goes up, and barriers are not crossed. Why, you may ask.
For me, it is the idea that when I get in my house, that is my domain. No one can touch me there. I can be me, and no one will see, or care.
Also, there is so much fear on my part, because of all the stuff in the news about murder-suicide, children being murdered, etc. When I’m in my house, I don’t have to deal with the ugliness in the world-I can shut it out. So, when I’m out and about, I try to compensate for being closed up in my house. I try to reach out to people that I don’t have contact with when I’m in my house. And, for now, it works.
Deborah Butler
2 Feb 09 at 6:11 am
Love they neighbor as thy self. The other day I had to ask God to please increase my self love. My neighbors are not easy to live around. I have tried to evangelize the neighborhood so, most know I am a Christian. Lately, I wondered who was putting me to the test. Was it the LORD or just my neighbors. I realized He was using my neighbors to bring out the best and worse in me.He is trying the reings so to speak.Whether I passed or failed, it has made me more aware of what I am. I am human! I have limits! Thank God He loves us.
Susan
2 Feb 09 at 9:40 am
I like susan’s comment about self awareness. I have become more ‘aware’ of my strengths and weaknesses as i brush up against the Rabbi and learn what He is like.
I think my ability to “neighbor” has been challenged and changed in every season of my life. I used to be terribly shy but would take opportunities to give to people in need when I could. Some i never even met, like the kid whose story is taped to a jar at the convience store (easy), others were closeer and more familure again easy to do things for.
Those guys on the street corner on the other hand are a little more difficult. It is really impossible to know if they have legitimate need or not. I ask Jesus to tell me, usually if i have a few bucks i give it in faith. I have however made it a point to ask their name at least, try to make it more personal and encourage them in some way.
And sometimes it is even a more difficult matter to discern; what to do for someone you know better? last month 2 ladies in my large “small” group lost their grandmother’s. Both had to travel to the funerals and both probably had needs I could have and would have been happy to help with, but I was just unaware. Did I just think some “closer” friends would know and do, or i was just careless? Actually probably a little of both. I am sure if I had just asked it would have given me an opportunity to serve and get to know them better. But I just didn’t think to honestly, and it seemed awkward to me as well. However, because one was really offended I hope I will be more sensitive to these things in the future.
I am thankful for grace from my father in my growing time. Hopefully I will also give it more freely.
Sherry
2 Feb 09 at 11:32 am
Wow great post Phil. The hardest thing for me is to look at those in the ditch with the “eyes” of Jesus instead of my eyes which are blinded by my own prejudice and conclusions. The more clearly I can see Jesus and how he looked at me, then maybe just maybe I will get a glimpse through His eyes and overcome my own blindness. When i can see God’s truth, through His eyes, then neighboring becomes something i just cant keep from doing. peace
philip sims
Philip Sims
3 Feb 09 at 9:55 am
My comment is regarding Phil\’s Heartlight message for Feb. 3rd. I agree wholeheartedly with what he said in the article regarding Mr. Chapman\’s comments about Rick Warren. When one is a Christian we cannot be anything but the person that Jesus is changing us into, (becoming more and more like Him as He molds us into what He wants us to be). How could we be silent about the One who loved us so much He paid our price for sin? When other non-Christians are uncomfortable in our presence I always believe it may be because the Holy Spirit is convicting them of the lack of God in their lives.
We will probably be called a lot of things, but look at what the religions zealots did to our Savior.
Judith
3 Feb 09 at 10:16 am
hi Phil, your post really made me think. this sentence stuck.
it\’s not about figuring out who is our neighbor, but about neighboring those around us in need!
in myself, i am all too aware of my own failings. i know there are things i should be doing and things i shouldn\’t.
yet, praise God, for the most part, as Jesus changes me bit by bit, people seem to see the things of Him, more than the things of me.
i find that so amazing, and more than a little humbling.
as i let Jesus permeate every part of me, He seems to shine out. not me, but Him…wow.
what would people see if i completely focused on Jesus…
thank God that His plans are so much bigger than mine, and that He knows what He\’s doing.
Lord, make us bold, with your love and compassion, to neighbour our neighbours.
thank you
gail
4 Feb 09 at 3:04 am
Mom would be so pleased, but probably a little surprised at what was said about her. While it was important to her to be the best example she could to all who were around her, I don’t think she realized how much she impacted not only her family, but everyone with whom she came in contact. It’s mostly the everyday living stuff–kind words, a gentle smile, a loving touch, a helping hand, and of course, unconditional love–that shows Jesus to others.
Thank you for all your loving care.
Carol Kelly
4 Feb 09 at 9:52 am