What does it mean to be a good neighbor? Does it mean to help the person who lives next door with their yard? Does it mean to give a child a ride to a school function?
It can mean those. But what is the example Jesus gave us? He used the example of someone in dire need. Someone who needed medical attention or die. He used people who were mortal enemies of one another.
There is nothing wrong with assisting those who live in our neighborhood. There is nothing wrong with giving a child a ride. But that is not all Jesus calls us to do. He calls us to go beyond the comfortable. He calls us to help the homeless, destitute, those with deep needs.
We have been blessed with homes, vehicles, jobs or retirement, family, friends, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus expects more from us. After all, He said, “everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded” (Luke 12:48).
Yes, much is expected from us. We have been blessed richly. The neighbor who needs our help may reside in our city, town, or county. Our neighbor needs compassion, love, mercy, and someone to walk along with them.
Jesus has given us an example of being a good neighbor. Will we follow His teaching, His example? Or will we continue to remain in our comfort zone?
I pray we all decide to follow Jesus’ example. I pray we get out of our comfort zones. I pray each one of us will choose to be a good neighbor to whomever we find in need. Be compassionate. Be loving. Be merciful. Be willing to walk with others. Follow Jesus’ teaching. Be a good neighbor.
Luke 10:36-37 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Marty Pressey 