Love your neighbor as you love yourself. – Jesus

In one of the all time classic Bible stories, Jesus is asked “but who is my neighbor?” after telling a group to “love thy neighbor".

Most people know the story of the good Samaritan.

It’s easy to just think about it as “the nice guy who helped his neighbor”.

But the story has a little nuance – the Samaritans were a people that the Jewish people of Jesus day strongly disliked. They didn’t want to be in the same room with them, let alone think of them as good.

In today’s age, we could update it a little to something like….

The Good Democrat (or Republican)….

The Good Conservative (or Liberal)…..

The Good Weird Young Person with Too Many Piercings, Colored Hair, etc…..

The Good Poor Person (or Rich Person)….

Jesus’ point was that our neighbor was an inclusive idea. We are to love all of them. Even those we disagree with. He even later tells us to “turn the other cheek” and to “give up our clothes if someone steals them from us”.

I think he was trying to get us to focus on our heart, not on what others may or may not do. Our role is to assume the right heart posture – to love our neighbor.

Make it a great day.

Jake