How many of our neighbors do we know? Some would say we know fewer of our neighbors than previous generations did. In our cocooning culture, we are tempted to close our garage doors tight and ignore the doorbell when it rings. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors. But can we really love people whom we have not come to know.
The impressive young leader ran up to Jesus displaying his desire to experience eternal life. When Jesus asked him to prioritize the top commandments, he answered well: love God, love your neighbor. After Jesus commended him, the wealthy young man asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Good question! Jesus answered by telling of two religious men who refused to help a wounded man. Then he took the crowd’s breath away when he told of a Samaritan who cared for the man who had been robbed. Finally, Jesus changed the question to “Who acted like a neighbor?” Better question!
How do we act like neighbors to those we meet? We have to see them as persons created in the image of God. Then we respond to their needs, even if it costs us. If we wonder who acts like this, we simply look to Jesus. From heaven he saw us and came and sought us and bought us with his own blood. He paid our debt in full and welcomes us to live in the Father’s house. When we get home to heaven, we will know each other, and we will love each other.
