Love Your Neighbor: Living Beyond Division
- Morgan Benner
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
As I was reading my daughter her Bible before bed the other night, I couldn't help but be thankful for how Children's Bibles illustrate biblical truths in a way that is easy to understand. I realized that sometimes I even need the cookies put on the bottom shelf so these parables of Jesus can go from my head to my heart.
We were reading through the story of the Good Samaritan found in Luke chapter 10, and there were great lessons for her to learn, and reminders that I needed as well.
We start out the Parable with 'an expert of the Law' trying to test Jesus. He asks Him how to gain eternal life. Jesus asks him to recite what is written in the law, which in turn he responds with, "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your strength, and all of your mind. And, to love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus agrees with the statement, and we are launched into the telling of the Parable after the 'expert' asks, "But who is my neighbor?"
Isn't this the question we subconsciously ask ourselves when we're faced with a decision on how to treat people? When I look at the myriad of people I interact with on a daily and weekly basis, I can easily put them into categories of "neighbor," or people that I think are easier to deal with, or "stranger:" people that may think differently than I do, not follow Jesus, or are just downright difficult to interact with.
Jesus goes on to tell the story of a mean left beaten on the side of the road. Two people pass by and ignore the seriously injured man who was left for dead by robbers. One was a priest, and the other a devout Levite. Both were religious figures who walked right by someone in need because they knew if they touched what they assumed was a dead body, they would be ceremonially unclean. In other words, helping him could have cost them their ability to perform or participate in their religious duties for a time.
The last person to approach and ultimately help this man was a Samaritan. To our modern-day ears, this may not seem like a big deal—just a term to describe him. But to Jesus' Jewish audience, this was a scandalous choice because Jews despised Samaritans--and vice-versa. On both sides there was ethnic, political, religious, and historical animosity between them.
We see the Good Samaritan not only help the man on the road, but he takes him to an inn, pays for his stay, and promises the innkeeper he will return to ensure the poor fellow's good health returned. He goes above and beyond to make sure this stranger has everything he needs (To read this amazing story turn to Luke 10:25-37 for yourself!).
After I read the story to my daughter, she asked a question I’ve been sitting with ever since. I think of it throughout my day—scrolling social media, reading the latest headlines, and praying for peace as we prepare to welcome a new baby in just a few weeks. She asked, "Mommy, why did the one man help him, but the other two didn't?"
Out of the mouth of babes, am I right? I have been sitting with that question because how many times have I ignored the Holy Spirit's prompting to pay for someone's groceries behind me in line? How often am I actually the Good Samaritan and not the "expert" testing Jesus at His Word or the priest or the Levite? I feel too busy to lend a helping hand or get too distracted to wade into other people's messes.
I am not surprising anyone by stating that our world is crazy and confusing right now. But as followers of Jesus, there is a better way for us to live. It may be harder, more inconvenient, and sometimes awkward, but it is worth it to live in harmony with those around us. We can follow Jesus' example of the Good Samaritan on how we can meet people where they are and show love to them.
The next time I am faced with a situation where I can pass by or walk away, I want to ask for the Holy Spirit's help in making me lean into uncomfortable conversations, step into people's mess, and go the extra mile so someone can feel and experience the Father's love through me.
FOR FURTHER THOUGHT
It is possible to live beyond the division in our world. That may mean taking a break from social media. It may look like not checking the news multiple times a day. If you notice in the parable of the Good Samaritan, he encountered the injured man while walking on the road. Look outside for the little, mundane moments. God will use your willingness and bring people into your life who need His love.
Then join the Good Samaritan on the road, reading his story, and really focus on each character. Have you found yourself relating to any of them? Have you wanted to close a divide in your life, but found yourself thinking of reasons not to love your neighbor (whoever that may be)? Some common thoughts that may cross our minds in those moments…
I tried to help someone like that once, and they took advantage of me.
I have my own problems in my life; I don’t have time to get involved in theirs.
I’ll just pray for him instead.
It’s too late anyway; she is too far gone.
I’m sure someone else will help them.
Let’s all ask the Holy Spirit to help us recognize when we come up with reasons not to be “the first in honoring one another” (Romans 12), and ask for the strength and willpower to love our neighbors well, no matter how different they may be from us.
PRAYER
Jesus, help me sit with the story of the Good Samaritan in a way I never have before, so I can see more of Your character and how you unconditionally love me, but how I can reflect that same love to the people I encounter in my life. When it feels awkward or like an inconvenience, help me push through it so I can be obedient to care for what You have placed in front of me today. Thank you for your love, guidance, patience, and care that You show me every day of my life. In Your Name, Amen.
ABOUT MORGAN BENNER
Morgan Benner is a woman transformed by faith, and if you had met her in the first 27 years of her life, you might not recognize her today. Jesus completely changed her, making her not just a different person but a new one. She now enjoys life with her best friend and husband, Derek, and their sweet three-year-old daughter, continually experiencing God’s love and growing in faith through her family. A creative at heart, Morgan uses her gifts to serve at her church—whether through video announcements, social media, small group leadership, or welcoming others into an encounter with Jesus. Professionally, she works as a Talent Acquisition Manager for a Fortune 500 company, a role that reflects her deep love for people. Known for meeting others right where they are, she is passionate about sharing the good news of the One who changed her life.
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