When Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan, it is in response to someone who wishes to narrow down the list of those whom he needs to love. If I am required to love my neighbor and I can exclude some from the category of neighbor, I am free of my obligation to love them. Jesus’ response does just the opposite; He includes everyone in the category of neighbor, even the most unlikely and undeserving.
Am I willing to leave the comfort and security of “my side of the road”, cross over, and care for another’s needs? Am I willing to try my best to see life from another’s perspective? Am I willing to see another’s need and respond in compassion, even at personal cost to myself?
Am I willing to be a neighbor to each and every person whom I encounter? Only with God’s grace will I be able to love with such unbounded love.
