And Who Is My Neighbour?
ICS Daily Devotions
Many people are going through different forms of challenges in this world right now. From homemakers to corporate people, everyone is susceptible to various kinds of stress, pressures and hard-pressed situations. It might be easier for believers to go through tribulations, but it is a very different story for unbelievers who live in hopelessness. Does God want us to be indifferent to their plight? What should we do for believers and non-believers who are having a hard time?
Luke 10:29,36-37 (NKJV) But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?”….. So which of these three do you think was neighbour to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
All of us are familiar with the story of the Good Samaritan. Unfortunately, it is rarely practised in many societies because we are wary of the inconveniences, possible accusations by the families of the injured and the responsibilities that come with helping someone. Therefore, many of us would rather contribute money than be personally involved in helping those who are wounded or journeying with those who need help.
Though we are not saved by works, we are definitely saved to do good works. Before we were saved, we tended to be self-centred and cared only for ourselves because sin is self-centredness. Sin causes people to ignore what God wants and desires for them. Because it is all about the self, the feelings and needs of others are the least of our concerns.
Luke 10:27 (NKJV) So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbour as yourself.’ ”
Jesus has taught us about a new law that will fulfil all the laws. The commandment to love God and men basically sums up the Ten Commandments. It is a selfless and sacrificial kind of love that is enabled by the Holy Spirit working through the new creation. Sin that is dominated by self-centredness was active in our lives prior to our salvation, but we have been given a heart of flesh to replace the heart of stone. We now love because God first loved us, and the Agape love that flows out of our hearts is unconditional and selfless because it originates from God.
We must not be a consumer of Christianity where we are only concerned about what God can do for us. Instead, we should be an expression of God’s love by journeying with those who need us.
Sermon Series: Keep Your Peace
