Who Is Our Neighbor?

by Katherine Pasour @katherinepasour

@barbaralatta

Please welcome guest blogger, Katherine Pasour. We are fellow members of Lighthouse Bible Studies and contributors to Refresh magazine. I know you will enjoy reading her insights on Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan and discovering the provision she received during a scary time. Her reflections show us how a Titus 2 woman responds and becomes an example to others.

 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:29 NIV*

 Several years ago, I was in a three-car accident on an interstate. I worked out of town and often drove over five hundred miles weekly. On this particular Friday night, rush hour traffic suddenly stalled. Trapped in the left lane, I tapped the steering wheel in frustration, anxiously watching my rear-view mirror.

Someone will probably hit me, I thought, only moments before a car rammed me in the rear. The collision knocked my car into the vehicle in front of me, broke my seat, dumping me and the seat into the back of my car. Shaken and confused, I was transported by ambulance to endure a long wait in a busy hospital emergency room.

I wasn’t unconscious or bleeding; no broken bones or recognizable injuries. Physically, I didn’t need to be in the hospital, but I didn’t know where I belonged at that moment. Disoriented and incapable of driving, the final blow delivered was the news my car was probably a total loss.

How would I get back to work on Monday morning? My family was on the way, but would not arrive for over an hour. I felt scared and alone as I waited for a doctor to check me for injuries. 

But then an angel appeared—she didn’t have wings or a halo, but she was an angel just the same. A woman stopped by my wheelchair, looked me in the eye and gently asked, “Are you okay? Can I get you anything? Is somebody coming to be with you?” 

In the scripture quoted above, “an expert in the law” (Luke 10:25) questions Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus replies with the story of the Good Samaritan, a familiar parable:

 “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 

So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on this own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.” Luke 10:30-34.

 Jesus describes how the Samaritan paid for the injured man to stay at the inn and for continued medical care. This kind man, who Jews traditionally viewed as an enemy (being a despised Samaritan), then departs, but not before promising to check later and pay for any additional expenses accrued.

 After describing the three different men who observed the injured traveler, Jesus concludes His story by inquiring of his questioner:

 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” Luke 10:36

 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Luke 10:37a

In that emergency waiting room, a stranger had mercy. A person I didn’t know became my neighbor.

I had never met this precious woman, but love flowed from her. I basked in the security of that love. My rapid breathing slowed, my pounding heart eased and I relaxed, a little, to respond, “Thank you, my family is on the way.”  

She smiled and left me. At that point, I finally remembered to pray (what I should have done much earlier). I thanked God for sending her, for granting peace, comfort, and protection.

I can’t describe her, but I haven’t forgotten my “angel.” She reminds me the light and love of Jesus shines out of us, through our actions. The kindness of a stranger brought peace when I was terrified and alone. 

I have no doubt God sent her to me in my time of need. The memory reminds me I can make a difference in the life of a stranger by letting Jesus shine through me in my actions.

When the teacher of the law responded that “the one who showed mercy” was his neighbor, Jesus directed:

 “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:37b

 Who is our neighbor? To whom are we called to show mercy?

 I believe God would respond, “Everyone!”

 How can we be a good neighbor in these stressful times? We can…

 

• Be kind—Have patience and compassion in all situations, whether with an aggressive driver, rudeness, workplace conflict, or turmoil within our families.

 

• Be respectful and polite—Think before we speak. Remember to be respectful of the opinions of others—even when we don’t agree.

 

• Be caring—The Samaritan did not know the man he helped, but he believed in acting with compassion to all people—even strangers.

 

• Be observant and willing to follow through—When we see a need, prayerfully seek ways to help.

 

• Love one another—As we put love into action, our behaviors will demonstrate we love one another in all aspects of our lives—on social media, in face-to-face interactions, in random interactions with strangers, and even (especially) in disagreements.

 

• Be a servant—If we love one another, we demonstrate an intentional focus on service.

 

Prayer:

Father, thank you for the many Parables Jesus shared to show us how to put His teachings into action in our everyday lives. Please guide us to serve You by caring for others. Help us to love others as you love us.

 *All scripture is NIV

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How can we be a good neighbor in stressful times (click to tweet)

The light and love of Jesus shines out of us through our actions (click to tweet)

Katherine Pasour is an author, teacher, farmer, and speaker with a passion for service. She blogs regularly at www.katherinepasour.com with a focus on faith and wellness. Psalm 139 reminds us that we are God’s special creation, “fearfully and wonderfully made”, thus Katherine believes we should nurture all aspects of wellness in service to our Lord. Katherine is a regular contributor to Refresh Bible Study Magazine, published by Lighthouse Bible Studies. She has published articles in several Bible Study compilations, Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character (2018); Feed Your Soul with the Word of God (2019); and The Power to Make a Difference (2020). You can connect with Katherine on Facebook and Instagram at KatherinePasourAuthor and Twitter @KatherinePasour.