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Love Thy Neighbor Aug 17 2010
"But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him." - Luke 10:33
It was once explained to me that the reason we are commanded to love our neighbors and to love our enemies is that they are often the same people. We can see how this bit of philosophy was developed if we closely examine the story of the Good Samaritan.
Notice that the Samaritan was from an ethnic group that the Jews positively despised. And, while the assaulted man was repeatedly ignored by his own people, the hated Samaritan willingly gave aid to the injured Jewish man. Now, if Jesus were telling the story in Israel today, He might change "Samaritan" to "Arab Muslim." Or, if He were speaking to Palestinians, He might say it was an "Israeli soldier" that helped. If He were speaking to liberal Democrats, He might change "Samaritan" to "conservative white Republican." If He were speaking to conservative Republicans, He might change "Samaritan" to a "liberal black Democrat." Whomever Jesus would be speaking to, He would replace "Samaritan" with that group's current enemy. That's how Jesus expects us to define the term neighbor.
One reason Christianity is so unique is that we are called to love our enemies. We're called to be fair with them and compassionate toward them and to demonstrate love - even if they hate us. God's Word is clear: You can't claim to love God and not love your neighbor. Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan so we would be clear who our neighbor is and go and do likewise.
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7 Comments
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Yes, report it NevermindFor me personally, this might be the hardest part of being a Christian.
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Yes, report it NevermindTry this: two quotes:
"forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us." and "just as you do unto the least of these, you do unto me." And then "Treat others as you would have them treat you, love your neighbor as you love yourself."
SO~ When you do wrong to others you are doing wrong to yourself, for you are they and they are you and we are all together.
Maybe I should just go take a nap.
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Yes, report it NevermindThanks Hal:)
Here's an (extreme) example though...how can I love or simply forgive Osama Bin Laden?
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Yes, report it NevermindHey Paula,
I think that is a really tricky question and I am pretty sure the answer is that you can't. As humans we can't really truly forgive because will can't completely forget the deeds someone has done to us. However, that does not excuse us. What we can do is ask God to help us forgive them, put the matter in gods hand and know that God will do the right thing and God will give a just punishment (if thats what he thinks is best). That way we can just completely stop worrying about something someone has done to us or someone we don't know.
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Yes, report it NevermindThis is the way God explained forgiveness to me. The only way I can explain it to you is...If you truly believe that as christians we are filled with the Holy Spirit and you believe that the Holy Spirit is real and living in you and you believe that there is a good and bad spirit world. Then those who do and say evil things are being controled by an evil spirit. Therefore you can then forgive them. Like when Jesus said on the cross, forgive them for they know not what they do. Also when Jesus cast out the demons of the man that hung out in the cemetary and sent them into the herd of pigs. Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies--the evil rulers of the unseen world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world. Whenever my mom would see a troubled soul she would say; if not for the Grace of God there go I. I always remmber that when I hear of thoughs who have done wrong or do me wrong, no matter how small or big their sin is,thats how I find it in my heart to forgive and pray for God's mercy on them.
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Yes, report it NevermindI appreciate the wonderful insight. This is a struggle for me but I am thinking and reading about all that's been written here.
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Yes, report it NevermindPaula, Osama Bin Laden is a jerk.