Scripture reading
He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself.” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
–Luke 10:27-29
Thought of the Day
Dallas Willard is a theologian and scholar and professor at USC’s School of Philosophy. In his book, The Divine Conspiracy, Dr. Willard address this scripture from Luke where Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan. He writes, “Jesus deftly rejects the question, “Who is my neighbor?” and substitutes the only question really relevant here: “To whom will I be a neighbor?” And He knows that we can only answer this question case by case as we go through our days. In the morning we cannot yet know who our neighbor will be that day. The condition of our hearts will determine who along our path turns out to be our neighbor, and our faith in God will largely determine whom we have strength enough to make our neighbor.” I like this distinction Dr. Willard points out. I must figure out each and every day to whom will I be a neighbor. I have to decide each day to see others as Christ sees them. I have to look through His eyes. If I do, I will easily see my neighbor and they will easily see me as their neighbor.
Prayer
Lord, Help me to be a good neighbor. Amen.