If someone were to ask you what was the most important thing to do with your life, what answer would you give? Jesus teaches us that life is all about love: 1) love God with all your heart; 2) and love others as yourself. This teaching is so important that it’s mentioned ten times in the Bible, to love your neighbour as yourself. But how do you love your neighbour as yourself?
NEVER STOP CARING
Message by Todd Lester – September 10, 2017
Matthew 22:35-39 One of [the Pharisees], an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
Galatians 5:14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Luke 10:25-29 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’” “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?”
THREE POSSIBLE ATTITUDES TOWARD MY NEIGHBOURS
Luke 10:30 A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.
1. I CAN BE AN AVOIDER
Luke 10:31 By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by.
2. I CAN BE A BYSTANDER
Luke 10:32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.
3. I CAN BE A HELPER
Luke 10:33a Then a despised Samaritan came along…
Matthew 7:12 Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
HOW DO I START LOVING MY NEIGHBOURS?
1. I MUST SEE THEIR NEEDS
Luke 10:33a Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man…
1 Corinthians 10:24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
2. I MUST SYMPATHIZE WITH THEIR PAIN
Luke 10:33b Then a despised Samaritan came along… he felt compassion for him…
Galatians 6:2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
3. I MUST SEIZE THE MOMENT TO HELP
Luke 10:34a Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them…
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Proverbs 3:27-28 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbour now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
4. I MUST SPEND WHATEVER IT TAKES
Luke 10:34-35 … he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’
Luke 10:36-37 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
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