12.5 Who Is My Neighbor?
True Neighborly Love in Action

Read the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25–37. What does this passage say in light of the prophets’ call for mercy and justice and considering the injustices that various groups of people have inflicted on “others” throughout human history?

The question posed by the legal expert in Luke 10:29 – “Who is my neighbor?” – reveals an attitude that is, unfortunately, still common today: people want to know exactly whom they are obligated to help and whom they can ignore. But Jesus does not provide a legal definition. Instead, he tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, which carries a radical message:

1. Neighborly Love Knows No Boundaries

Jesus prioritizes the heart’s attitude over religious and social boundaries. The Samaritan helps the injured man, despite the fact that Jews and Samaritans were considered enemies. Through this, Jesus makes it clear: Our neighbor is not just the one who is close to us but anyone in need—regardless of origin, status, or religion.

This parable responds to the injustices of human history:

• Exclusion, prejudice, social inequality – Jesus calls us to break down these walls.

• Ignoring the suffering of others – Like the priest and the Levite who walked past, we, too, might ask: “Do I have time?” or “Is this my responsibility?”

  But true justice means seeing and acting.

2. Jesus: The Embodiment of Justice and Mercy

Jesus didn’t just speak about justice—he lived it. In Luke 4:16–21, he quotes Isaiah 61:1–2, making it clear that he came to:
Bring good news to the poor.
Free the oppressed.
Bring healing and restoration.

He humbled himself to identify with those who suffer. His justice is not just judicial punishment but restoration and healing.

3. Our Mission: Living Out Mercy in Action

Psalm 9:9–10 & Psalm 146:7–9 show that God is the protector of the oppressed. But He wants to use us as instruments of His justice.

Whom do we help today – or do we walk past?
Do we have prejudices that prevent us from being merciful?
Do we do only the necessary – or do we live out true neighborly love?

God’s Word is clear: Our task is to serve those in need—not out of obligation, but out of love, just as Christ loved us.

True justice is not just about big speeches but about practiced, boundless mercy.

What Can We Learn from Jesus’ Life and Actions Regarding Helping Those in Need? Even though we cannot perform miracles like Jesus, how could our help seem miraculous to many suffering people?

Jesus was not just a teacher but a living example of active neighborly love. His help was not limited to certain groups—he healed the sick, comforted the outcast, forgave sinners, and gave hope to the desperate. His love knew no boundaries, and that is exactly what we can learn from him.

1. Jesus Saw the Individual – Do We?

Jesus didn’t just see the crowd but the individual and their needs:
He saw blind Bartimaeus and stopped for him (Mark 10:46–52).
He took time for the Samaritan woman at the well, even though others despised her (John 4:1–26).
He had compassion for the hungry crowd and fed them (Matthew 14:13–21).

Lesson for us: Do we see the needs around us—or do we just walk on? Sometimes, a sincere conversation, a listening ear, or a small act of kindness can feel miraculous to someone who feels invisible.

2. Jesus Helped the Whole Person – Body, Soul, and Spirit

Jesus cared not only for people’s physical needs but also for their inner wounds. He healed illnesses, but also broken hearts:
He forgave the adulterous woman and gave her a new perspective (John 8:1–11).
He valued children and blessed them (Mark 10:13–16).
He healed the paralyzed man both physically and spiritually (Mark 2:1–12).

Lesson for us: Sometimes, the greatest miracle is not material help but making someone feel valued. A word of encouragement, an act of acceptance, or a prayer can bring deep comfort.

3. Jesus Expected Nothing in Return – Do We Help Unconditionally?

Jesus healed people without expecting gratitude or repayment. He said:
“Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

He didn’t help to receive praise—he helped because it was in his nature.

Lesson for us: Do we help only when we expect something in return—or simply because it is the right thing to do? Unconditional love can be the greatest miracle for someone who has only experienced rejection.

How Can Our Help Be “Miraculous”?

Even if we cannot perform miracles like Jesus, we can meet people in ways that transform their lives:
Practical help: Sharing food, donating clothes, visiting the lonely.
Emotional support: Listening to someone, speaking words of encouragement, giving hope.
Spiritual encouragement: Praying for others, showing them that God loves and does not forget them.

Often, the greatest miracle is not a supernatural healing but a person who feels seen and loved.

Because when we help as Jesus helped, we become the miracle for someone who desperately needs it.

The parable of the Good Samaritan reveals a radical truth: True neighborly love knows no boundaries. It is not limited to those we like or those from our own background—it applies to everyone in need.

1. What Does “Who Is My Neighbor?” Mean in Our Daily Lives?

Jesus makes it clear that the real question is not “Who is my neighbor?” but “Am I a neighbor to others?”

This means: Neighborly love is a decision, not just a feeling.

In the family:

• Do I make time for my loved ones, or am I too busy?

• Do I forgive when someone hurts me, or do I hold onto resentment?

At work / school:

• Do I notice colleagues or classmates who are ignored or excluded?

• Do I stand up for fairness and justice, or do I remain passive?

In society:

• Do I help people in need, or do I walk past them?

• Do I engage in social justice, or do I ignore injustice?

Our “neighbor” is not just our friend—it is also the stranger, the helpless, the difficult person, the wounded.

2. Jesus as Our Role Model for Practical Neighborly Love

“The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)

He saw the individual – he didn’t overlook anyone but stopped and helped.
He healed not only the body but also the heart – forgiveness, acceptance, and hope were central to his message.
He helped unconditionally – he expected nothing in return but gave out of love.

Are we willing to help unconditionally, as Jesus did?

3. Neighborly Love as a Lived Faith – How Can Our Help Be “Miraculous”?

Practical help: A meal, a visit, a smile—small gestures that make a big impact.
Emotional support: Listening, showing compassion, not forgetting the lonely.
Spiritual encouragement: Praying for someone, offering words of hope.

Because true justice is not just in words—it is in lived-out love.

When we help as Jesus helped, we become the miracle for someone who desperately needs it.

True neighborly love begins when we stop asking, “Who is my neighbor?” and instead become a neighbor ourselves.           

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-love-and-justice-the-two-greatest-commandments-12-5-who-is-my-neighbor-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

March 20, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Johannes Chapter 3

¹ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

² Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

³ And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

⁴ Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

⁵ And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

⁶ Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

⁷ Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

⁸ He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

⁹ Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

¹⁰ In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

¹¹ For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

¹² Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

¹³ Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

¹⁴ We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

¹⁵ Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

¹⁶ Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

¹⁷ But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

¹⁸ My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

¹⁹ And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

²⁰ For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

²¹ Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

²² And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

²³ And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

²⁴ And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

The third chapter of the First Epistle of John reveals a profound truth about our identity as children of God. John reminds us of God’s immeasurable love, which is demonstrated in the fact that we are called His children. This sonship is not just a title but a reality with far-reaching consequences for our lives and behavior. It is about purity, righteousness, love, and the clear distinction between those who belong to God and those who walk in darkness. This chapter calls us to live in the love of Christ and to shape our lives as an expression of this divine love.

Commentary

1. The Glory of Being God’s Children (Verses 1–3)

• John begins with a powerful statement about God’s love: By His grace, we are His children.

• The world does not recognize us because it does not know God – a sign of our heavenly origin.

• Our future as children of God is glorious and beyond our understanding, but one thing is certain: We will be like Christ.

• The hope of this future salvation motivates us to purity and holiness.

2. The Incompatibility of Sin with Being a Child of God (Verses 4–10)

• Sin is defined as lawlessness – a rebellion against God.

• Jesus came to take away sin, and in Him, there is no sin.

• Whoever remains in Christ does not continue in sin – this does not mean that Christians are perfect, but that they do not deliberately and persistently live in sin.

• The contrast between the children of God and the children of the devil becomes evident: True children of God practice righteousness and love their brothers and sisters.

3. The Commandment of Love (Verses 11–18)

• From the beginning, it has been God’s will that we love one another.

• Cain serves as a warning example of hatred that leads to murder.

• The world hates us, but love for our brothers and sisters is a sign that we have passed from death to life.

• True love is demonstrated in actions – just as Christ gave His life for us, so we should be willing to serve others.

4. The Security of the Heart in God (Verses 19–24)

• If our heart condemns us, we should remember that God is greater than our heart.

• A clear conscience gives us confidence before God and makes our prayers powerful.

• The greatest commandment is to believe in Jesus Christ and to love one another.

• Whoever keeps this commandment remains in Christ, and God’s Spirit confirms this fellowship.

Summary

1. God has accepted us as His children, and this sonship transforms our lives and future.

2. Sin is incompatible with being a child of God, for Jesus came to destroy the works of sin.

3. Love is the mark of a true Christian – not just in words, but in deeds.

4. A pure heart brings confidence before God and leads to a powerful prayer life.

5. Fellowship with God is demonstrated by obeying His commandments and is confirmed by His Spirit.

Message for Us Today

This chapter challenges us to consciously live our lives as children of God. It reminds us that true discipleship means turning away from sin and living in love. Our relationship with God is not just a theological concept but a living reality that should permeate our daily lives.

Three important lessons for us today:

1. Identity in Christ: We are children of God, and this should shape our thinking, emotions, and actions.

2. Purity and Holiness: Those who belong to Christ no longer live consciously in sin but strive for righteousness.

3. Practical Love: True Christians express their love through actions – by generosity, care, and genuine commitment.

Let us live consciously in this identity today, distance ourselves from sin, and share God’s love in word and deed!

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 9—The Work and the Life
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 9 describes God’s selfless love as the source of all life, light, and blessing. This principle of selfless devotion is evident throughout creation, but most especially in the life of Jesus Christ. His existence was marked by sacrifice—he lived to save humanity and set an example of love and service. His followers should adopt the same attitude: a life that does not seek self-fulfillment but instead places the well-being of others at its center. This service is not only a calling but also the path to true happiness and spiritual growth.

Commentary

1.The Source of All Life and Blessing

God is the origin of life and blessing, and everything that exists receives light and joy from Him. Just as sunlight and flowing water nourish all living things, so too should humans receive and share God’s blessings. True fulfillment in life does not come from seeking personal gain but from sharing God’s love with others.

2.Christ as the Ultimate Example of Service

Jesus Christ lived a completely selfless life. His greatest concern was to save fallen humanity, even at the cost of suffering and sacrifice. Likewise, angels were not created for themselves but to serve others. The very essence of heaven is not selfishness but sacrifice and love. Those who reject this mindset separate themselves from God.

3.The Impact of God’s Love in a Person

When Christ’s love dwells in a person’s heart, it cannot remain hidden. It radiates outward and influences all who come into contact with them. A Christian’s life should be like a fresh spring in the desert—bringing refreshment and life to those in need.

4.The Joy of Serving Others

The deepest expression of love for Christ is the desire to help others. This was the principle by which Jesus lived. His life was not one of comfort and ease but of tireless service. Those who follow Him will not focus on their own desires but on the well-being of others.

5.The Importance of Sacrifice

A true disciple of Jesus is willing to make sacrifices so that others may experience the blessing of salvation. This sacrifice can take the form of time, resources, or personal dedication. Those who have received God’s grace cannot keep it to themselves—they will feel compelled to share it with others.

6.Communion with Christ Through Service

Serving others not only brings blessings to the recipients but also to the one who serves. God could have entrusted His work of salvation to angels, but He chose to involve people so that their faith could be strengthened. Anyone who dedicates themselves to God’s service will grow deeper in their experience of His love and truth.

7.The Necessity of Spiritual Growth Through Service

Christian growth does not happen through passive receiving but through active giving. Those who do not live out their faith will lose it. But those who carry out God’s mission and serve others will grow spiritually. This is a divine principle: spiritual strength comes through active engagement.

8.Every Christian is Called to Serve

The Church of Christ is called to bring the Good News to the world. This task is not only for missionaries or preachers but for every believer. Each person can be a witness for Christ through their work, behavior, and relationships. Even those who cannot travel to distant lands can still contribute through prayer, support, and serving in their immediate surroundings.

9.Imitating Christ in Everyday Life

Jesus spent most of His earthly life engaged in everyday work as a carpenter. He demonstrated that every job and every activity can be an opportunity to serve God. Even a simple worker can bear witness to Christ through faithfulness and integrity. Everyone can be a light to those around them and lead others to faith.

10.The Blessing of Selfless Service

Many people believe they are not qualified to work for God’s kingdom, but God does not only call the most talented—He calls every believer. Even the simplest tasks, when done with love, are valuable in God’s kingdom. Those who are faithful in small things will also be entrusted with greater things.

11.No Excuses – Everyone Can Serve

Many wait for a “special opportunity” to serve God, but this is a mistake. The best opportunity is the present moment—by living faithfully, showing love in daily life, and being open to the needs of others. Those who make themselves available to Christ will experience how He uses them and how their lives bear fruit.

12.The Hidden Influence of Service

Some people do not see the visible results of their efforts and feel useless. But God sees everything and will bring hidden deeds to light. Often, the effects of our actions will only be revealed in eternity. Those who remain faithful will ultimately see that no selfless act of service was in vain.

Summary

Chapter 9 teaches that true joy and fulfillment are found in selfless service. God is the source of all blessings, and He desires for us to pass these blessings on to others. Jesus is the highest example of a life of dedication and service. Those who follow Him will not live for themselves but for the good of others.

God has given us the privilege of participating in His work of salvation. This is not only a duty but also a blessing for us. Serving others strengthens our faith, brings us closer to Christ, and fills us with deep joy. Every Christian is called to be a light to others through their work, testimony, and love.

The greatest growth in faith does not come from passivity but from active participation in God’s work. Those who share God’s blessings with others will be blessed themselves. But those who remain spiritually inactive will lose their faith. Therefore, this chapter calls us not to wait but to act immediately and wholeheartedly for Christ—whether in our own homes, churches, or the world.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/20-03-2025-1-john-chapter-3-believe-his-prophets/