Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment by a lawyer in order to test him. Jesus simply answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” The lawyer questioned, “Who is my neighbor?” and Jesus countered with the story of the Good Samaritan.
But this exchange is not the first time Jesus explained whom he considers neighbors. During his ‘Sermon on the Mount.’ Jesus blessed those he considered his neighbors; the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, and those who are reviled and persecuted on Jesus’ account. Do you fall into any of these descriptions of Jesus’ neighbor? What needs to change to ensure you do fall into one or more of these categories?
If we are in the business of choosing neighbors (I would argue anyone who still breathes is our neighbor), then don’t we want Jesus as a neighbor? What must we do for Jesus to say, “Howdy, neighbor, come on in and sit a spell and rest your weary bones?” (Yes, Jesus can talk Texan! The Spirit allows him to speak in tongues we can understand.) Answer that question, and then, as Nike would say, “Just Do It.”
Grace & Peace, Charles.