What Did Jesus Mean by Love Thy Neighbor?

Jun 9, 2023 | Christian Living | 10 comments

Free Pizza Plate photo and picture

Mom and I were frazzled and needed assistance. My neighbor Glenda Jennings brought us pizza, and her tasty maple fudge, for lunch. She took time to sit with Mom and gave much-needed reassurance with kind words and a caring heart. Glenda’s neighborly love calmed Mom and moved me to tears. Our need was met through a sweet servant of Christ who loved her neighbors.

A certain lawyer wanted to justify himself when commanded by Jesus to love his neighbor like himself. He posed the question, “Who is my neighbor”?  This learned lawyer asked and the greatest orator of all time expounded with a certain account.

A certain man went down from Jerusalem and fell among thieves who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and left him half dead. A certain priest saw him but passed by on the other side of the road. A Levite did the same.

But a certain Samaritan saw the injured man and had compassion for him. He went to him, cleaned and wrapped his wounds, placed him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn. The Good Samaritan left the next day giving money to the host of the inn to ensure this man’s continued care. If required he also vowed to pay more at a later date. 

Jesus posed a question to the lawyer, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves” (Luke 10:36). The answer was obvious to the lawyer and obvious to us today. Jesus tells the lawyer to go and do likewise (Luke 10:37b).

Glenda delivered food, sweets, and kindness to bring peace during our crisis. The Good Samaritan assisted the critically wounded man and saved his life. Loving our neighbor requires action when we see our neighbors in need.

Loving our neighbor might look like buying pizza, gifting fudge, kind words, cleaning and wrapping wounds, or paying for an overnight stay at a motel. It might also look like a hospital visit, delivering a meal, sending a card, or volunteering at a homeless shelter or a crisis pregnancy center. Whatever it looks like Jesus says to go and do it like the Good Samaritan. Let’s go love our neighbors.    

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.

Romans 15:1 and 2

10 Comments

  1. Katherine Pasour

    I never tire of the Good Samaritan story or a good neighbor story. Your neighbor shows how we put it into action. Thank you for sharing this message of faith, love, and hope.

    Reply
    • Lisa Robbins

      Thank you Katherine. Glenda certainly lived out Jesus command to love our neighbor. It’s moments like these we see him clearly.

      Reply
  2. Kristin

    Sweet testimony of the goodness of God shown through the obedience of a friend! Thank you for sharing <3

    Reply
    • Lisa Robbins

      I saw obedience to Jesus’ command to love our neighbor in action and in a great time of need. I assume that’s when we see Him clearly.
      Thanks for readong and commenting.

      Reply
  3. Candyce Carden

    We validate our neighbors when we accept their kindness and love. I’m sure Glenda was as blessed as you were when you allowed her to serve you and your mom. God sends us comforters in our times of need to make us comforters for others.

    Reply
    • Lisa Robbins

      I gladly accepted Glenda’s kindness and love. Mom and I both needed her suring our trying time. I’m thankfu for neighbors who obey Jesus’ commands.

      Reply
  4. Anita York

    Great read and so true. God bless

    Reply
    • Lisa Robbins

      Anita, thanks for reading and commenting. God Bless you too dear friend.

      Reply
  5. Phyllis Winningham

    I enjoyed your post on subject of Love Thy Neighbor, ♥️

    Reply
    • Lisa Robbins

      Thank you Aunt Phyllis. I’m finding many devotions during these days!

      Reply

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