Who is our neighbor?

8-31-21 
Today my daily devotion is based on Luke 10:25-29, “And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "What is written in the Law? How do you read it?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Jesus said to him, "You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live." But the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
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We too, in wanting to justify ourselves ask “Who is our neighbor?”  We can’t help everyone.  There are far too many people in need. We might in asking that question be trying to excuse ourselves by believing that in asking we at least show that we care.  For, after all we protest against violence and oppression in the world.
While that is all good, we need to look at those close by. Maybe a relative, a person living close to us, those in the community who are in need of help. How often have we committed the great sin of passing them by in their time of need when we could have helped them in some manner. Those are our neighbors.  We can help them in many ways, but I think the best is interaction with them.  But if we can’t do that then we can give money to organizations who can help them.

Please pray with me the prayer for today:  Lord, you know how we make excuses when we have a difficult duty to perform or have to part with some of our valuable time or resources. Remind us through your Word that our time and resources come from you.  I know that you give opportunities to help others so that I can show your love, the great love you have for me, to others in need.  Please forgive me when I fail. Strengthen me to do what you want done for those in need.  In Jesus’ blessed and compassionate name, I pray.  Amen.