Biblical Answer

Jesus' answer to the question of who is a neighbor is found in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In this story, Jesus tells of a man who was beaten and left half-dead on the side of the road. A priest and a Levite, two people who were supposed to be compassionate and loving, saw the man but passed him by. However, a Samaritan, a group of people that the Jews generally despised, came upon the man and showed him kindness, taking care of his wounds and providing for his needs. Jesus asked the lawyer who had asked the question, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The lawyer replied, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus then said, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37).

In this parable, Jesus is teaching that our neighbor is not just someone who lives next door or is a member of our community, but anyone who is in need and requires our help. The Good Samaritan, although he was not related to the man who was beaten, showed him kindness and compassion because he saw him as a person in need. This is in line with Jesus' teaching that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, and that this love is not limited to just those who are like us or who are easy to love. Rather, it includes showing kindness and compassion to those who are different from us and who may not be easy to love. Jesus' words, "Love your neighbor as yourself," are not just a command to love those who are like us, but a call to love everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The parable of the Good Samaritan also highlights the importance of action in loving our neighbors. The priest and the Levite saw the man who was beaten, but they did not show him any kindness. They were more concerned with their own status and reputation than with helping someone in need. On the other hand, the Good Samaritan took action and showed the man kindness and compassion. This is in line with Jesus' teaching that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, and that this love is not just a feeling, but a commitment to act on behalf of those who are in need. By showing kindness and compassion to others, we are demonstrating our love for God and our love for our neighbors.