Luke 10:25-37 – “The Good Samaraitan” (The Message Bible)
There have been a lot of crazy things happening in the world lately. A lot of death, destruction, and evil in many forms. It’s incredibly sad and discouraging at times.
What if we looked at ALL people as humans, living in this same world as us, living the ONE physical life we get on this planet, as people who also have a life story of their own to tell.
Recently I had a thought: “What if we start with the idea that people are generally good? Before we paint anyone with a certain brush, we start with good and then go from there?” I know that this is a bit of a dream world to think that we can actually look at everyone the same and give them the benefit of the doubt without judgement. I know. But what if we looked at all people as humans, living in this same world, living the ONE physical life we get on this planet, as people who also have a life story of their own to tell.
There is a story in the Bible of a religious man looking to question Jesus what is the key to eternal life. Jesus replies, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” He then tells about a man who was beaten, robbed, and abandoned for dead along the road. Jesus says that three different men came through and passed by him. The first, a priest, went to the other side of the road. Another religious man also passed him with no help at all. Finally, the third man, not only stopped but went above and beyond to help the man out. He bandaged his wounds, took him to an inn, and paid for his stay and care until he was healthy. Jesus then asks the man, “Who was the one that became a neighbor to the injured man?” The reply was, “The man that cared for him.” Jesus responded saying, “Go and do the same.”
This story tells how we are to treat each other: not based on if our looks, beliefs, etc are the same. Instead,we should treat others with a pure heart, with no motives other than to love those you come across as you love yourself.
Challenge
Think of a person or people group (race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc.) that comes to mind that you maybe haven’t considered your ‘neighbor.’ Who is that?
What sort of ways can you put yourself in a place to be a neighbor to those that come to mind?
How can you engage into someone’s life story, where they are at, regardless of what opinions you may have about them?
By Shawn Gruenhagen | Denver, Colorado