| November 6, 2005
New Neighbors
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On December 26, 2004, masses of people suddenly became our new neighbors. They were left with broken lives after a monstrous tsunami swept across 12 Asian countries, killing tens of thousands of their friends, relatives, and countrymen. Millions of survivors became destitute. But how did they become our neighbors?
According to Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, a neighbor is one who shows mercy on the needy. A lawyer had asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" (v.29). Jesus told him about an injured traveler who had been attacked by thieves, ignored by a priest and a Levite, and helped by a Samaritan. Then He asked, "Which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" The lawyer answered correctly, "He who showed mercy on him" (vv.36-37).
Needy people who cross our path become our new neighbors, and we must be a neighbor by helping them. Too often we think of neighbors as related to us by geography. Instead, Jesus indicated that we are to consider anyone in need as a neighbor regardless of who they are or where they live.
Look around. Someone needs your help, mercy, and love. They are your new neighbors. —Dave Branon
With helping hands of care
To those who are in need
And caught in life's despair. —Sper
Good exercise for the heart: Reach out and help your neighbor.
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