#soap # Matthew 22 ## Title: Who Is My Neighbor? ## Scripture: (Matthew 22:39) “The second is like it: ‘.’” (NET) ## Observation: I have heard many people use this passage to excuse many things. Some call this a plea to self-care and others use this verse to say we should change our definition of the word “love.” In the Gospel of Luke, someone asks Jesus who a “neighbor” is and how to receive such a neighbor. Jesus turns the whole conversation around by sharing the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable, Jesus shares that the point is not to go looking to find a neighbor. We should go into the world looking to be a neighbor. The point of the verse above is that our natural tendency is to take care of our basic needs without thought. The goal is to love other people without thought of what is in it for us. This can be difficult because there are broken people who will use the hospitality of others. This is why we must also work to develop healthy boundaries so empathy does not become toxic. However, we will be much better off if we think first on how we can help others and not just on how we can receive. ## Application: Walk through the day with your eyes open looking for someone to help today. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for being so kind to us in so many ways.