Love your neighbor as yourself
@1creekgirl (40612)
United States
April 1, 2023 10:31pm CST
Jesus told us to do that. Do we?
Someone asked Him, "Who is my neighbor?" and Jesus told him the parable of the good Samaritan.
I've been thinking a lot about this. I try to be a good neighbor ...and friend, parent, wife, grandmother.
But I know there are times when I'm too caught up in my own problems to see the needs of others.
I think since getting cancer, it's really opened my eyes in a lot of ways. The people I thought would care about me, haven't and some of the ones who have called, brought food, sent texts, and showed their care and compassion were a surprise.
You just never know who really cares. All you guys have been wonderful showing me how much you care. And I truly appreciate it.
I really want to be the good Samaritan who loves my neighbor as myself.
How do you feel you measure up in that regard?
10 people like this
9 responses
@DaddyEvil (137142)
• United States
2 Apr 23
I help people to the best of my ability and as far as my personal resources will stretch.
While Pretty was growing up, we often had friends of her living with us for different amounts of time. One of her friends lived with us for almost two years while her parents were trying to "find themselves". Later, one of my friends lived with us for over a year until he found a new job and could support himself again.
4 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137142)
• United States
2 Apr 23
@Jenaisle Thank you.
They were friends... I couldn't turn them down when they asked me for help.
3 people like this
@sulynsi (2671)
• Canada
2 Apr 23
When I read your post, I went and reread this parable.
I found some rather interesting additional points.
In the lead up to the parable, the scripture gives some very revealing context:
'Now look! a man versed in the Law stood up to test him and said: “Teacher, what do I need to do to inherit everlasting life?' Luke 10:25
This individual was 'versed in the Law' , was trying 'to test him' - possibly trying to get Jesus to give an answer that would cause some offense to other listeners.
Master teacher as he was, he posed a question back to the inquirer, '“What is written in the Law? How do you read?”'
Jesus knew that the purpose of the question wasn't to gain knowledge - this guy knew the Law - what he wanted was, '..to prove himself righteous..'
The parable guided him, and all other listeners to the unavoidable conclusion: our 'neighbor' is ' “The one who acted mercifully toward him.” —Luke 10:36, 37
Jesus wasn't repeating facts or teaching basic principles - he was getting people to look inwards and shine a light on their own motivations and attitudes. The man already knew the right thing to do, but was he willing to do it? And if not, why not?
2 people like this
@sulynsi (2671)
• Canada
3 Apr 23
@1creekgirl
I am always so amazed at how Jesus taught - his technique was brilliant - but it recalls to mind the following passage:
'And the Jews were astonished, saying: “How does this man have such a knowledge of the Scriptures when he has not studied at the schools?” Jesus, in turn, answered them and said: “What I teach is not mine, but belongs to him who sent me. If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or I speak of my own originality. Whoever speaks of his own originality is seeking his own glory; but whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent him... (John 7:15-18)
Whose glory was he seeking? Whose message was it?
Upon his departure from earth, Jesus gave his followers the commission:
“All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth. Go.... make disciples... teaching them .' (Matthew 28:18-20)
Jesus was sharing a message given to him. By whom? He was given authority to teach people. By whom? He indicated that he would support that work of teaching 'until the end of the system of things' (Matthew: 28:20), showing he would have co-workers.
He identified what that message was at Luke 4:43, “I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God... because for this I was sent.”
This good news is about Jehovah's kingdom, that our Creator is the one true God and that he has authorized Jesus to take over the administration of human affairs, in order to fulfill His original purpose for earth.
If we have heard this message, it is our privilege and responsibility to share it.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40612)
• United States
2 Apr 23
Goodness, are you a Bible teacher? If not, you should be!
1 person likes this
@Jenaisle (14079)
• Philippines
2 Apr 23
I know I'm still lacking in this aspect. I still have a lot to improve in caring for my neighbors. It's a tough daily challenge but I try to do my best. However, I know that I'm not doing enough, I am just doing what I feel comfortable with. I know loving your neighbors is sacrificing a bit of yourself for others, which I rarely do. I only give what is considered excess to me. Did I say it right?
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (86833)
• United States
2 Apr 23
I will not love my crazy neighbor no thanks
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (458976)
• Switzerland
2 Apr 23
@1creekgirl I feel well with myself knowing that I did what I thought it was correct to do.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (40612)
• United States
2 Apr 23
It really does hurt when we help others and they don't appreciate it. But we know we did the right thing anyway.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (40612)
• United States
2 Apr 23
That's good you have a close group of friends.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (40612)
• United States
2 Apr 23
I can see you show your concern for others, Judy.
2 people like this
@innertalks (21056)
• Australia
2 Apr 23
I mostly keep to myself, but will help when it's needed.
When we see that help is obviously needed, and then help, that is helping our neighbour, but being a good neighbour goes even further than just that, as we will keep tabs on a neighbour to see how they are going with their life in this world too, being there for them, as necessary.
That is being a good neighbour, but it can be hard to do in a busy life.
@1creekgirl (40612)
• United States
2 Apr 23
Steve, I think you've got a good handle on what it means to be a good neighbor.
1 person likes this
@innertalks (21056)
• Australia
2 Apr 23
@1creekgirl Thanks, it is easy to say though, but a whole lot harder to do, all of the time.
@LindaOHio (157044)
• United States
19 Apr 23
I feel there's a lot more I could do.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40612)
• United States
19 Apr 23
I think we all feel that way. Well, most of us. There are some who never think of others and you're sure not one of them.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40612)
• United States
20 Apr 23
@LindaOHio My husband very wisely told me one time, "Vicki, your issues are your issues. Others may have it worse, but you have to take care of yourself."
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (157044)
• United States
20 Apr 23
@1creekgirl Thanks, Vicki. There are sometimes I feel that I'm too self-absorbed when I'm not physically having a good day, etc.
1 person likes this
