Are You A Neighbor?
Hey everyone, it’s your girl Julie, back with another segment of “Salty & Lit.” Today, we’re going to be talking about being a neighbor. Let’s pray.
Dear God, thank You for Your goodness. Thank You for the fun that we can have in You. Teach us to be neighbors. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The other day, I was out for a walk and noticed people looking at me as they passed. Instead of offering a warm smile or a simple hello, I found myself getting defensive, wondering why they were staring.
In the past, however, I was used to saying hi to strangers and moving on with my life. Now, potentially due to technology being a factor, I find myself staying to myself and isolating from people. Yet, while reading Jeany Kim Jun’s chapter on being a neighbor in “His Testimonies, My Heritage,” I was convicted.
I realized I only act like a neighbor when it’s convenient for me, but Scripture calls us to be a neighbor even when it’s uncomfortable or out of our way.
The parable of “The Good Samaritan” shows that perfectly. Let’s check it out in Luke 10:30-37 (NLT):
30 Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. 31 “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. 33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ 36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. 37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
To set the scene, an expert in religious law asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life. Jesus turned the question back to him, asking what the Scriptures say. The man answered that one must "love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind" and "love your neighbor as yourself." When Jesus says the man answered correctly, the man asks, “Who is his neighbor,” prompting Jesus to tell this story.
Jews and Samaritans were deep historical rivals. Yet, in Jesus' story, the priest and the Temple assistant—the very people expected to show mercy—walked right past the suffering man. The one who actually stepped up was the Samaritan. Love and care came from the most unexpected source.
That means, your neighbor can come from one you least expected.
Now, what does that mean for us?
Being a neighbor isn't a one-size-fits-all. It requires discernment and prayer to recognize what the moment calls for:
Meeting physical needs
Serving your community
Changing your posture
When I was out on my walk, I decided to change my approach. I looked back up at the next person, smiled, and kept walking. A block later, someone else smiled and said hello to me. We won't always get a positive reaction back, but we don't have to mirror stoic responses just because we receive them.
My friend, as believers, we are called to be salt and light, reflecting God's love wherever we go. That means we do things differently (God’s way, of course).
So here’s to shining God’s light in all circumstances. Let’s pray.
Dear Heavenly Father, You are God. Thank You for being Holy and Righteous. I pray that we’d shine our lights the way You want us to, being lights and neighbors wherever we go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Well, that’s all I have for today! Don’t forget these three things: you are loved, salty, and lit! Talk to you soon! 🧡
