Who is My Neighbor?

Who is my neighbor? My answer to that question has changed over time as I learned more about myself and my relationship with my Father in Heaven and His Son. I have met many people who I would consider my neighbor and, in the past, many I had not considered my neighbor. I know that was not in keeping with The Savior's response to that question. I have made progress in learning how to see everyone as my neighbor. My progress is in my understanding of what the Lord meant by "Neighbor".

His question, "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" slipped past me in reading his response. The definition of "neighbor" is not determined by the other persons behavior, but mine. Instead of asking, "Who is my neighbor?" the right question is "Have I been a neighbor?"

The Lord makes reference to "sheaves" in other parables in relation to the harvest.  I think that "neighbor" and "sheaves" are synonomous with each other in the context of being a neighbor.  What better way to make a neighbor than to be a neighbor.  In this light, my neighbor is anyone I choose to be my neighbor.

Who is my neighbor?  I hope to someday be able to say everyone.  The next question I need to ask myself is, how can I be a neighbor to everyone?  Even those who oppose me?

The Lord said, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).

How do I show love to everyone?  To say it is not enough.  I believe that "Love" is not just a word, it's a behavior. How do I show love to my neighbors?

First of all, my neighbor is myself.  If that seems selfish, look at the Lord's command to "Love thy neighbor as thyself."  How can I love my neighbor if I do not love myself.  We love Him because He loved us first, and I can love myself because He loves me.

Second, my family.  Again...selfish?  No!  Absolutely not!  There are too many fathers in the world who treat their families like trash and often the result is crime and another generation of selfishness.  So, my family is my neighbor, and teaching them to be neighbor to others is one of the ways I can contribute to the world.

Third, everyone else.  Service to others is paramount to happiness.  I find I am happiest when I am serving others.  In contrast, I find my deepest regret in lost opportunities to serve.  How am I neighbor to everyone.  Simple, find the need and try to fulfil that need.  There is a similar idea in capitalism, but the stark contrast here is I am not expecting payment for fulfilling that need! That is service.  The best kind of service is anonymous service to others, but sometimes that is impossible.  Besides, it is nice to get a thank you now and then, and when I do, I get to pass that thanks onto the One who it belongs to (even though I am sure He is aware, it is always good to say it anyway).

Here is a recent conversation I had with Sandi Johnson, a friend of mine who is an Associate Minister for the First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, CO:

Colby:  What are some of your thoughts about the question to the Savior, "Who is my neighbor?"

Sandi:   In the context Jesus is telling his disciples and all people that we are all to take care of each other. We are not called to be in the seat of judgement of who is good or bad. That is God's role...We are called to be in relationship with those in need no matter their standing in the community or background.


Colby:  What does that relationship look like to you? What does it mean to take care of each other?


Sandi:   I guess it varies. It depends on the need of the other person. It could be a friend in need, a hand up or a walk along side. We are to serve each other, should that be to assist the elderly, street person, and even those in jail.


Colby:  Can you give me an example in your life on how you are a neighbor to others?


Sandi:   My life is in service to others. From homeless families living with us to serving a church full time... to mission trips around the country and world bringing money and teaching folks how to make a living….and who do you say your neighbor is??


Colby:  Everyone!


Sandi:   Good…we’re on the same page.

It has been my blessed opportunity to work with Sandi in the Sign Language interpreting field.  It is always a treat when I see people like her giving of themselves for the betterment of others and truly exemplifying our Saviors charge to Love on another!

I love my Savior.  He is indeed the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)