Looking for a loophole in Scriptural obligation, a man asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" So, as one might expect, Jesus told a story. In the story a man was travelling, and on his journey he was robbed and beaten half to death. Luckily for him a preacher came along. But the preacher did not stop to help. Likewise, a church leader came upon the scene. The church leader did not stop to help either. The only one of three people in the story to stop and help was a Samaritan.
Who might be a modern equivalent to a Samaritan--a Muslim, a Scientologist, or Mormon perhaps? The foundational truth of Judaism and Christianity is loving God passionately and loving our neighbors genuinely. In Jesus' story the ones who should be living this truth the most did not. The one who was outside of the faith did. Being a doer of God's Word is much more important than faith without action. Check this out further in the book of James.
It was not convenient to stop and help. It cost time and money. The Samaritan showed compassion through his actions. After hearing me preach this message, two men from Cornerstone Church picked up a hitch hiker. The men asked the hiker questions about his life. He shared a sad story with them. The two men shared sound counsel with him and prayed with him. Phone numbers were exchanged. The hiker was grateful for the ride down the road. He gladly received the love demonstrated to him.
Who is my neighbor? It could be any person who runs across my path today.
Peace,
SS
