Bible Reading: Matthew 22:39 & Luke 10:25-37
In Matthew 22:39, Jesus gave us a specific command saying, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
In Luke 10:29 an expert in the law asked Jesus, “…who is my neighbor?”
In response Jesus told a parable about a man who was robbed, beaten, and left to die. A priest saw the injured man on the road and walked on by. a Levite did the same. Finally, a Samaritan, an enemy of the Jews, stopped and helped the man. Jesus wanted the law expert, and us, to understand that everyone is our neighbor. We are to love everyone.
How can we show love to the people around us?
Start with the person who lives next door to you. Here are six ways you can show love to your neighbor:
Offer to do some yard work him or her.
Offer to do some housework for your neighbor.
Offer to read to him or her.
Take your neighbor a hot meal.
Invite your neighbor to your house for dinner.
While you are doing any of the above, take time to talk to your neighbor and listen to him or her.
These are just a few ideas. Use your imagination. I’m sure you can think of other ways to serve the people around you.
Finally, be sure to pray for all of your neighbors. Your love and kindness might draw your neighbor a step closer to Jesus.
“‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” Luke 10:36 & 37
Prayer: Heavenly Father, use me to reach my neighbor for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.