Scripture who is my neighbor

Luke So He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. There is no reconciliation between us and God without Jesus Christ Acts Telling your neighbor that is the most loving thing you could ever do.

Get newsletters and updates Close. Also, send me the Evangelical Newsletter and special offers. Also, send me the Evangelical Newsletter. Toggle navigation. Home About. March 26, by Jack Wellman. March 26, Jack Wellman Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality!

Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. Previous Post. Next Post. These nuts claim that God Jesus then points out how love should expand over cultural boundaries and ethnic lines, as the Samaritan is the one who stopped to help.

Jews and Samaritans clashed mainly over religious differences, but also cultural differences, which produced hatred among many inside both groups.

The Samaritan put aside any negative judgments about the man on the side of the road and chosen to delay his errand. Because he put the man before himself, he was truly loving him as a neighbor. This teaches us that our neighbors are not those who simply look, act and think like each of us. Yet, Jesus was not merely teaching the expert a moral lesson to be kind to others; He was also pointing to Himself as the Messiah. His description of what happens to the Jewish man on the side of the road were foreshadowings of what would happen to Him in His sacrificial death attacked, stripped, beaten, left for dead.

Jesus also told this parable within the broader question of eternal life and the law; Jesus replies that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love others. So in order to truly be a good neighbor, to love others deeply, you have to love God. Jesus made this possible for both Jews and Gentiles with his life, death, and resurrection.

Now that we have analyzed who our neighbor is, through the examples given in the Old and New Testaments, we can focus on what it means to be a good neighbor. To bring the Lord glory, we must act upon the teachings He has given us. It can be intimidating to know where to start.

How do we go from looking only to our own needs and preferences to helping those around us? The truth is that we cannot do it on our own, nor does focusing on others obsessively allow us to love them better. To be a good neighbor, we must first love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind. This is the greatest commandment. God placed this as the first commandment, and not the second for a reason.

In Matthew it says,. Display the picture of Christ and the children. See Matthew —4 ; Mark Why is it sometimes difficult to follow this counsel? How does this counsel compare with what the world teaches about how to achieve greatness?

What does it mean to become as little children? See Mosiah Explain that although children are not perfect, they have many qualities that we must develop to inherit the kingdom of heaven. These qualities include humility, meekness, and a willingness to believe. What have you learned from children? How can we become more childlike and more submissive to the will of our Father in Heaven? See Matthew , footnote 6 a; in this context, offend means to cause to stumble.

What are some of the ways people cause children to stumble? Answers may include being a poor example to them, criticizing them unkindly, failing to teach them, and abusing them. How does the Lord regard these offenses? See Matthew Elder M. How can being childlike ourselves help us care for children?

Matthew Read and discuss Matthew , 21— In Matthew , what did the Lord say we should do if we have been offended? Why is this the best way to resolve disputes? How did Jesus respond when Peter asked how often he should forgive? Explain that Jesus used this high number to teach that we should always forgive others. Why is it sometimes difficult to forgive? How have you been blessed as you have forgiven others or been forgiven by them? To further emphasize the importance of forgiving others, Jesus gave the parable of the unmerciful servant Matthew — Whom do the king and servants represent?

The king represents Heavenly Father, and the servants represent us. See Matthew — What are some of the dangers of not forgiving others?