"Who is my neighbor?" Luke 10:29      

A Pharisee lawyer asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. He had asked in good faith, for Scripture expressly states that he tempted Him. The lawyer knew that his own efforts to gain eternal life by means of good works did not square with Jesus' teaching of salvation by grace through faith in Him.  Jesus asked the lawyer to summarize the Law, which states that the Law requires love of God and love of the neighbor. Jesus said: "This do and thou shalt live," The lawyer received his answer from the Law, by which he hoped to earn heaven.      

The lawyer still was not fully satisfied, but asked: "Who then is my neighbor?" Jesus told the well-known story of the Good Samaritan. who picked up the wounded stranger by the roadside and cared for him when the man's own countrymen had mercilessly passed him by. To the lawyer He said: "Go and do thou likewise."      

Christian friends,  Who is your neighbor? Everyone who needs your love and help. Anyone who can be helped by our witnessing for Christ, or prayers, our kinds words, or financial assistance, or by our help of nay kind is a neighbor whom God has placed in our path because He wants us to help him. Being a good neighbor does not bring us to heaven, but people who are on the road to heaven are good neighbors.  

All the speeches you are making may be very fine and true, But I'd rather see your Savior by observing what you do; For I may not comprehend Him through the fine advice you give, But there's no misunderstanding when I see the way you live.  

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY -  That which makes a good Christian, makes a good neighbor.