NEIGHBORS

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

Luke 10:29-37 . . . The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus replied with an illustration: “A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes and money, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. . . A Jewish priest came along . . . and passed him by. . . A Temple assistant walked over, but he also passed by on the other side. . . Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt deep pity. . . He took care of him. . . Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. . . The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

Your neighbor is anyone who needs God’s mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and friendship.

HOW AM I TO LOVE MY NEIGHBOR?

Romans 13:9-10 . . . The commandments against adultery and murder and stealing and coveting-and any other commandment-are all summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.

Leviticus 19:18 . . . “Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

James 2:8 . . . Yes, indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord’s royal command found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

IN ADDITION TO LOVE, WHAT ARE MY OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES TO MY NEIGHBOR?

Deuteronomy 22:1, 3-4 . . . If you see your neighbor’s ox or sheep wandering away, don’t pretend not to see it. Take it back to its owner. . .Do the same if you find your neighbor’s donkey, clothing, or anything else your neighbor loses. Don’t pretend you did not see it. If you see your neighbor’s ox or donkey lying on the road, do not look the other way. Go and help your neighbor get it to its feet!

Proverbs 3:28 . . . If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

When we love our neighbor, we will help our neighbor in times of need.

Leviticus 19:15-17 . . . Always judge your neighbors fairly, neither favoring the poor nor showing deference to the rich. Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. Do not try to get ahead at the cost of your neighbor’s life, for I am the Lord. . .Confront your neighbors directly so you will not be held guilty for their crimes.

Ephesians 4:25 . . . Put away all falsehood and “tell your neighbor the truth” because we belong to each other.

When we love our neighbor, we will tell the truth, even when it is painful.

Exodus 20:16 . . . Do not testify falsely against your neighbor.

When we love our neighbor, we will not tell lies about him or her.

Proverbs 3:29 . . . Do not plot against your neighbors, for they trust you.

When we love our neighbor, we will not break their trust by planning against them.

Proverbs 11:12 . . . It is foolish to belittle a neighbor; a person with good sense remains silent.

When we love our neighbor, we will not make fun of them.

Deuteronomy 5:21 . . . Do not covet your neighbor’s wife. Do not covet your neighbor’s house or land, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else your neighbor owns.

When we love our neighbor, we will not want what they have.

Proverbs 25:17 . . . Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome.

Proverbs 27:14 . . . If you shout a pleasant greeting to your neighbor too early in the morning, it will be counted as a curse!

When we love our neighbor, we will respect their time and privacy.

HOW SHOULD I LIVE AMONG MY NON-CHRISTIAN NEIGHBORS?

1 Peter 2:12 . . . Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.

James 4:12 . . . God alone, who made the law, can rightly judge among us. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to condemn your neighbor?

Colossians 4:5-6 . . . Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.

Galatians 5:14 . . . The whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

We should love our non-Christian neighbors, living honorably and graciously before them, being an example of godliness, sharing God’s ways with them, and refusing to condemn them.

PROMISE FROM GOD:

James 2:8 . . . Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord’s royal command found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

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