I hope you all had a restful and renewing Independence Day weekend. In the midst of all of the celebrating it was important to take the time to remember what we are celebrating - the freedom we have a nation in every sense of the word. Freedom, indeed isn't free. Freedom comes to us at a high cost - including the lives of many in our armed forces. Our freedom as Christians also comes to us at a high cost - solely the life of Christ. For that we are eternally grateful. How do we express our gratitude for such a sacrificial act of love? By loving our neighbor. When we love others, we love Jesus. This truth is taught again this coming Sunday in our lesson from Luke:10:25-37. This lesson is typically known as the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Jesus used this parable to answer the question, "Who is my neighbor?" How would you answer that question? It's important that we know how to answer that question in order to most fully give thanks and praise to God.
I ask, if you can make time now or this week, to remember, acknowledge and give thanks for those people in your life who you would consider your "neighbors." I'm not talking about your "next-door neighbors", but rather the people God has put in your path to teach you something about following Jesus.
Who has helped you grow spiritually? That person is your neighbor.
Who has warmly welcomed you to our congregation? That person is your neighbor.
Who has brought you a meal when you were sick or in need of food? That person has acted as your neighbor.
Who has helped you move into a new home? That person is your neighbor.
Who has prayed for a specific need in your life? That person is your neighbor.
Who has watched your children for you so you could have an evening out? That person is your neighbor.
Who has listened to your or provided a shoulder to cry on? That person is your neighbor.
When you think of those in your life who have provided such things, and more, acknowledge them as neighbors and give thanks for them. Once you've recognized these people who have been "neighbors" in your life, hear Jesus' instruction to then, "Go and do what the neighbor did." Be neighbor to someone else.
Seventeen of our youth and adult leaders will be heading to San Francisco on Friday of this week to "be neighbors" to those in need in that city for their annual mission trip. Please keep all of them in your prayers as they travel and serve as neighbors to those in need - and to Jesus!
