September 28 of each year is celebrated as Good Neighbor Day in America as an opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other better.  It also acknowledges the importance of having and being a good neighbor.  It is a blessing to have a good neighbor, but it is an even greater blessing to be a good neighbor.  Good neighbors often become good friends, watch out for each other, lend helping hands to each other, and are available to give advice when asked.  Neighbors often offer us a cup of sugar when needed, collect mail when we are on vacation, watch our homes when we are gone, and sometimes watch our children and our pets.

        “Words from Above” in the Bible tell us some important things about being a neighbor to people in need.  When Jesus conducted His public ministry on this earth, He was often asked questions by people, and was once asked by an expert in the Law of Moses what he had to do to inherit eternal life.  Jesus referred to what was written in the Law of Moses, and the expert included the need to love our neighbor as ourselves.  In order to make a good impression, the expert asked the question, “Exactly who is my neighbor?”  Jesus then told the story which we call the parable of the Good Samaritan.

        Jesus spoke about a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho being attacked by thieves who robbed and beat him, leaving him half dead.  A priest soon came by, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side of the road.  Soon a Levite came by and when he had looked at him, he too passed by on the other side of the road.  Finally, a Samaritan came by and had compassion on him, dressing and binding up his wounds, putting him on his own donkey, taking him to an inn and taking care of him.  The next day he paid the innkeeper to take care of him until he could return and give him further care.  He also promised to reimburse the innkeeper for any expenses required for the care of the man.

        After telling this parable, Jesus asked the expert in the Law of Moses which of the three was a neighbor to the man who was robbed and beaten.  The expert answered that it was the one who showed mercy to the man who was robbed and beaten.  Jesus wholeheartedly agreed, and told the expert to go and do the same for others in need.  Jesus would tell every believer today to do exactly the very same thing to be a good neighbor.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.