The Lord’s famous ‘Good Samaritan’ story often stirs my heart. Sometimes I wonder, why did He use the term ‘neighbor’ when the needy person in the story did not “live next door or near the person in question”? Two ‘neighbor’ stories always come to mind, one near and one far….
A few years ago a Mormon couple moved into the apt next door. They were a bit overly friendly and even baked cookies to leave at everyone’s door. (But no one I know would eat food left at their door) Soon after, invites to Mormon services were given and, not surprisingly, the flyers looked very ‘mainstream Christian’. I wondered, was this ‘loving your neighbor’?
The second story is far away and long ago when my father lived in Aleppo. As a youth he worked for an Arab in a small shop around a cluster of stores. One day there was an Islamic uprising against the Jewish community, Jews were beaten and shops were vandalized. When club wielding, menacing men came to the Jewish shop next to my father, the Arab dashed out and stood in front of the Jewish shop. He spread his arms wide across the doorway and boomed, “You must kill me first to get to them. They are my neighbors!”
Born in the rough and tumultuous Middle East, Jesus’ concept of ‘neighbor’ defies most superficial ones of today.
I try to uphold ‘neighborly love’, sometimes incidentally, carrying groceries for elderly, visiting someone sick, getting mail. Sometimes, it is a commitment of friendship such as with ‘Hilda’ in Juanita’s Joy and Making The Last Seconds Count. But the truth is, I was hungry for more – more love to flow in and through me.
If God “determined the times set (for men) and the exact places where they should live” it would seem that one’s ‘neighbors’ are assigned as well – whether they are near or not. While my heart was burdened for the Kurds oppressed and under fire in Syria and I was drawn to the ministries of Kurdistan, the Lord made His will clear…
I was disappointed that my heart was so kindled but not by God. Shortly after the Kurdistan kibosh though, God opened the door of my neighbor’s life and ushered me in. Joanna*, a single working parent with a chronic illness, always seemed okay and self-sufficient. But when her life unraveled through illness and loss and without family or support she was greatly needing an outpour of “oil and wine”.
When the Lord kindles the love, the ‘oil and wine’ begin to flow. Coming alongside her with childcare, practical resources and emotional support seems supernatural in that it is not ‘taking away’ but ‘adding to’ my life…friendship, pleasures of giving and mentoring, and the joy caring for a cheerful toddler…
Moreover, Joanna spoke of a church life some time ago. The Holy Spirit is stirring a living faith and I believe she will grasp the Gospel and find the new life promised through our Savior Jesus.
May we always have the faith to thank God when the crossing bar lowers on our path, pausing us, redirecting us or just stopping us from pursuing our own desires. And may He order our steps and infill our hearts with the “oil and wine” ready to flow toward that “neighbor” along our path!
theburninglampdotcom 
As usual, another wonderful and very convicting post, Lisa Beth. And as usual, I’m always reminded of my spiritual shortcomings when I read your posts. The Lord has given you a heart for others that so many Christians, me on the top of the list, need to have.
Keep forging on for Him, sister!
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Wow David, thank you for sharing your heart here. I am truly moved, thank you brother.
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Well written Lisa Beth! Love, hugs and blessings!!!!
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Thank you so much! I just found your comment in ‘spam’ – it’s not spam, it’s so appreciated! 🌺
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Hi, Lisa Beth! I was wondering if some of my comments went to spam because it happened on someone else’s blog as well. You are an AMAZING writer and I cannot tell you how much I wish I lived closer to you so you could mentor me! Love, hugs and blessings! Mandy
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Yes, I checked my spam and found your message and others. Thank you so much Mandy for such uplifting comments!
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Thanks for sharing your experiences, Lisa Beth! I have a “neighbor” that I can help more than I do.
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Good to hear from you Tom! I have to admit, its such a God-arrangement…at the right time, the Lord opened the door.
Press on brother!
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Good post… and the last paragraph spoke to me.
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Thank you Cathy, I appreciate it! 🌹
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I love this, Lisa Beth. Thank you. It’s a great reminder of following the God nudge in our hearts. It’s amazing how He closed the door to what you wanted and opened the door to where He wanted you to be. Love and blessings to you!
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I love this, Lisa Beth. It’s a great reminder of following the God nudge in our hearts. It’s amazing how He closed the door to what you wanted and opened the door to where He wanted you to be. Love and blessings to you!
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Praise the Lord! That is what being a good neighbor is about – pouring in the oil and wine on those who are in need. Great post.
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Thanks so much Beverley, good to hear from you! 🌹
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Wow thanks for sharing a Middle Eastern example of “neighbors;” didn’t know your father was from Syria!
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So good to hear from you Pastor Slimjim. Yes, my father and all his side are from Aleppo as my grandparents survived the death March by the Ottomans.
I hope all is well with you brother!
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Wow what a family history
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Yes brother, a legacy of suffering and faith that stirred many challenges for me. Still does. Thank you for your kind words, may the Lord speak to all our hearts as we hunker down with Him.
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