But he, desiring to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment and wounded him and departed, leaving him half dead. And it so happened that a certain priest came down that way; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise, a Levite, when he came near the place and looked on him, he passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two denarius and gave them to the host and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go and do thou likewise. (Luke 10:29-37).
A certain schoolboy from - - - - went to school and fell amongst bullies, who both beat him and teased him and laughed at him, and they went about their school day, leaving him alone and feeling dead and worthless inside. A teacher very busy and overworked, when she saw him, passed by on the other side, thinking he will be better in a day or so. Similarly, an older student came by and looked on him and thought, “poor boy, but this will be a growing experience for him." He too went to join his classmates and their pursuits of school activities.
But a certain young man, as he went about his school activities, came to where this schoolboy was. He had compassion on him and laid aside his books and his school work and talked to him, and comforted him, and showed him that he really cared for him It made him feel alive and loved. The young man talked to the principal, encouraging him to be aware of the hurting ones at school. And on the morrow, he reached out to him and made him feel loved and cared for, and showed him that he had a friend.
Which of these do you think is his neighbor?
A certain church member fell into sin. The spirit of God convicted him, and he confessed his sin to God and publicly confessed his sins to the church. He was ashamed and felt like a total failure and totally worthless in his Christian Life.
After church, a certain prominent brother saw him and passed by on the other side and went his way. A Sunday school teacher shook his hand, saying that he would pray for him, and he went his way. Then another brother shook his hand and hugged him, and with tears in his eyes, told him he loved him and prayed with him. And on the morrow, he met with him and read the scriptures with him and prayed with him and encouraged him and made arrangements to meet with him regularly.
Which of these do you think is his neighbor?
A certain sister found herself married to a selfish man. She was used to fulfill his selfish desires and was berated and belittled when she didn’t meet his expectations. She was insulted when she tried her best and laughed at when she cried. She wanted to die when compared to other women who were smarter, more efficient, and beautiful. She was sad and very discouraged and depressed.
Another sister noticed, but she ignored what she noticed, thinking what can I do about it? And likewise, a second sister noticed the sadness in her face. She praised God for her own good and thoughtful husband; she too passed by on the other side. Another busy sister looked on her and had compassion on her. She went to her and poured out love and compassion on her and encouraged her to be faithful and let God’s love shine through her to her husband. And many days after, she called her and made her feel loved and cared for as a friend.
Now, which of these do you think is her neighbor?
A certain young couple were married a few years, and their home was not blessed with children. Every time a new baby was born in the church family, they were reminded of the longing and sadness in their lives. A couple noticed their hurt and sadness but felt that they couldn’t do anything about it, so they ignored their obvious hurt and longings. A certain mother with many children noticed her sadness and longing. She told her how much work children are and that she never had any time for herself. And she told her that she almost envied the freedom she has. She too passed by on the other side. Another couple noticed their sadness and befriended them and included them in their circle of friends. They empathize with them and sent encouragement whenever they could.
Whom do you think was their neighbor?
GO YE AND DO LIKEWISE.