Who is my Neighbor?

This Week We’re Reading:

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of those Bible Stories that has been told many, many times and is probably one of the most popular parables Jesus shared.

A lot of times we hear that we have to be a good neighbor and help others, but sometimes our words are just that... words. Sometimes we make the excuse that we can't help those in need because we don't feel equipped, or we are too busy, or we don't have enough money. It's easy to make excuses on why we can't help others, but we need to be willing to put action behind our words. We need to be willing to allow God to use us to help others.

This week we are talking about how we need to show compassion to those who are in need and share kindness and love with our neighbors. Not just in words, but with actions as well.

This Week We’re Asking:

• Who would you define as your neighbor? Do you think that is the "Biblical definition" of it?

• What are ways I can be on the lookout to help others?

• What are some of the common excuses I make for not taking time to help others?

This Week We’re Doing:

Throughout the Just series, we will be focusing on how to be engaged in our community. We will have resources and opportunities to do just that, but consider this a warm-up. Talk with your family about areas of the community that need us to be involved. Make a list of all the ways you can have an impact on those around you that might be struggling.

This Week We’re Memorizing:

John 15:12
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

Mark 12:30-31
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”