“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” (Luke 10:35-37, NIV).

     Who is my neighbor? This is the question that prompted Jesus to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan (read Luke 10:25-37). I’ve often wondered what might have happened had the man lying wounded on the side of the road was a relative or friend of the Priest and Levite. Most people would conclude that these two religious men avoided the injured fellow because they would have defiled themselves by touching blood. I find such an explanation a convenient excuse. I believe that Jesus’ point of the parable is that indifference was their true motive.

     Many think that the opposite of love is hate. The truth is that indifference is love’s true adversary. Unconditional love is what motivated the Samaritan to care for the injured soul. Indifference prevented the Priest and Levite from even lifting a finger to help.

     Given our national debate over the issue of nationalism, how might Jesus weigh in on the issue given the implications of this story? As a nation, are we only called upon to care for our own? Or does the Christian concept of neighbor extend the boundaries beyond family, friends, and the like? How does Jesus’ expanded concept of neighbor inform our national policy interests?

     Long ago, when our country was forming, the former statesman and preacher, John Winthrop declared, “We shall be as a city upon the hill.” Winthrop’s words were an extension of Jesus’ command to his disciples: “You are the light of the world” (see Matthew 5:14). Winthrop, like many early Americans, believed that the mission of the United States should extend beyond her borders. Acts of personal piety and social justice would sway the world toward Christ.

     If America is to be first in anything, it should be to care for those who cannot care for themselves. If America is to be first, she should lead the world by speaking graciously, acting honestly, and living righteously. If America is to be first, she needs to begin asking Jesus, once again, “Who is my neighbor?”

Prayer:
Lord God, help me to look beyond the borders of race, nationality, and culture. Grant me the grace to embrace those who look different and live differently from me. May I be moved by your Spirit to invest my time and resources in helping my neighbors regardless of their address. Through Christ’s name I pray. Amen.