I’m in the process of wrapping up a series about neighboring well. I think good definition precedes better practice. Let’s start with defining the term neighbor. Who is my neighbor? Basically, neighbors are associations. This association can be based on relationship, geography, proximity, interest or a situation which caught our attention. In other words, a neighbor can be someone who lives next door or someone with which you crossed paths. Maybe you know one another well or just met for the first time.
When the lawyer asked Jesus about qualifying his neighbor, the question was asked in such as way as to define boundaries of exclusion. Where do I draw the line of responsibility? This is the lawyer’s question in Luke 10. Jesus replied with a story and concluded with a question of His own. Instead of qualifying the neighbor based on exclusion, Jesus illustrated better neighboring. The intent of neighboring isn’t to exclude but include. What is better neighboring? It is mercy giving – a life giving relationship. We have a responsibility to one another. The goal of better neighboring is to include.
Please don’t minimize your neighboring perspective, but maximize it. A limited “neighbor” definition only limits God and His pursuing redemptive mission. Being neighborly is to demonstrate mercy through kindness. I like what Luther said, “God does not need our good works, but our neighbor does.” Sometimes I think we love Christ most when we neighbor well by loving one another in action. Whether this neighbor is next door or across town, let’s neighbor well.
