Luke 10: 25 -37 " ... how do you interpret it? ... love your neighbor as you do yourself. ... Do it and you'll live. ... how would you define neighbor ?" (v. 26, 27, 28; The Message).
During my rearing in a Boston suburb I was the second son of seven sons, third in the line-up of eight, prone to sport, lacking the proverbial silver spoon, fearing God via Catholicism, but / and fortunately born into privilege. My people immigrated from: England, Finland, Ireland, Scotland and Sweden. Like you (reader): "You [God] made my whole being, made me in my mother's body. ..you made me in an amazing and wonderful way." (Ps. 139:13-14, NCV). I cite facets of my family of origin, as I see them as influencers of an outlook's evolving.
Did you attend, participate online or yet view our Pastor's rendition of 'The Good Samaritan'? Can you identify with any of the three (either from the Luke text or Rev. Marlayna's portrayal) who came upon the man left to the elements, wolves or worse after being robbed and beaten? My guilt is arising, personally because I see myself as making a cell-call, like the 'Pillar-of-the-Church' lady. Justifying [that] as being better than ignoring the guy totally; he's in rough shape but not critical and I'm not a doctor nor interested in a law-suit for making a mistake. Are you with me? Besides, I don't know him; he's no neighbor, probably deserved it anyway. ... (???? <- trying to show deeper contemplation.. ) ...
Hold on, that guilt might be framed by an upbringing's perspective! My male dominated, competitive household had its value but self-preservation and only looking out for number one is not what Jesus teaches, nor what I choose to be about today. Perhaps, it's more of a healthy shame. I'm reminded of being fearfully / wonderfully made; able to do all things perfectly imperfect through Christ, if I don't lean strictly on my own 'stinkin-thinkin', to quote an aspect of my spiritual well-beings' path. My heritage is of a colder, less compassionate culture and my learned work-ethic, in my mind anyway, entitles me to side-step getting involved in common affairs that usually bog one down. Or perhaps I could be bold like the Samaratin or the young Asian who despite being despised, lent a hand; and take that next step in my spiritual journey, which I know is the next right thing. The privilege I was born into, are those gifts God has given me (willingness to serve, sharing time, as an encourager, etc.) are otherwise are being wasted...... may All in need of mercy or help be my neighbor!
& May our strongest tendency not necessarily become our only way of being with others, Kevin T. & Deacons.