Who Is Your Neighbor?

Summary

What is neighborly love? And who do we view as neighbors? How do we extend love and mercy to those we might consider enemies? Dominic Jackson reflects on the parable of the Good Samaritan, as recorded in Luke 10:25-29. He discusses the cultural and historical context of the parable, emphasizing the significance of Jesus choosing a Samaritan as the hero of the story, given the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans.

Dominic also explores both the difficulty and importance of loving one's enemies, drawing parallels between the parable and Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and mercy.

Questions for reflection

• How can we apply the lesson of the Good Samaritan to our own lives and relationships?

• What other biblical stories or teachings might help further illustrate the importance of enemy love and expanding our understanding of "neighbor"?

• What specific steps can we take to overcome our own biases and preconceptions about certain groups or individuals?

• How can the church as a whole foster a culture of radical hospitality and compassion towards those who are often marginalized or excluded?

• What are some of the personal and spiritual challenges that can arise when we are called to love our "enemies," and how can we overcome those challenges?