Redefining Neighbors: Love Beyond Boundaries

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Stories

Stories have the ability to transform us by making complex truths relatable and memorable. Jesus used parables to teach profound lessons in simple, everyday terms. Reflect on how stories in your life have shaped your understanding and actions. [29:56]

Stories have a unique way of touching our hearts and challenging our minds. They can convey complex truths in ways that are both relatable and memorable. Jesus, the master storyteller, used parables to teach profound lessons in simple, everyday terms. The parable of the Good Samaritan is a prime example of this. Through a simple story, Jesus conveyed deep truths about love, compassion, and what it means to be a neighbor.

Reflect on the stories that have shaped your understanding and actions. How have they influenced your beliefs and behaviors? Consider how you can use stories in your own life to convey important truths and inspire change in others.

Luke 8:10 (ESV): "He said, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.'"

Reflection: Think of a story that has significantly impacted your life. How did it change your perspective or actions? How can you use storytelling to convey important truths to others?

Day 2: Expanding Our Definition of "Neighbor"

The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to expand our definition of "neighbor" beyond those who are like us. It calls us to show love and compassion to everyone, including those we might consider enemies. This radical love is at the heart of Jesus' teaching. [35:37]

The parable of the Good Samaritan begins with a lawyer asking Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" In response, Jesus tells the story of a man who is beaten and left for dead. A priest and a Levite pass by without helping, but a Samaritan, who was despised by the Jews, stops to help the man. This story challenges us to expand our definition of "neighbor" beyond those who are like us. It calls us to show love and compassion to everyone, including those we might consider enemies.

This radical love is at the heart of Jesus' teaching. It pushes us to move beyond our comfort zones and prejudices, urging us to act with compassion and mercy. Reflect on how you can expand your definition of "neighbor" and show love to those who are different from you.

Matthew 5:44-45 (ESV): "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love. How can you show them compassion and mercy this week? What steps can you take to expand your definition of "neighbor"?

Day 3: Defined by Love, Not Hate

Are we defined by who we hate or by how we love? This question is crucial for Christians today. Our faith should be evident in our love for others, not in our divisions or exclusions. Reflect on how your actions and attitudes reflect this principle. [42:17]

In a polarized world, it is easy to be defined by who we hate rather than by how we love. The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to reconsider our attitudes and actions. Are we known for our love, as Jesus taught, or for our divisions and exclusions? This question is crucial for Christians today. Our faith should be evident in our love for others, not in our anger or disdain for those who are different.

Reflect on how your actions and attitudes reflect this principle. Are you defined by who you hate or by how you love? Consider how you can make love the defining characteristic of your life.

1 John 4:20 (ESV): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen."

Reflection: Reflect on your interactions with others. Are there areas where you are defined by hate rather than love? How can you make love the defining characteristic of your life?

Day 4: Breaking the Cycle of Polarization

Our anger and disdain for those who are different can create a cycle of polarization and division. To break this cycle, we must take responsibility for our attitudes and seek to understand and love others, even when it's difficult. [45:12]

Polarization and division are rampant in our world today. Our anger and disdain for those who are different can create a cycle that is hard to break. The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to take responsibility for our attitudes and actions. To break the cycle of polarization, we must seek to understand and love others, even when it's difficult.

Reflect on how you can take responsibility for your attitudes and actions. How can you seek to understand and love those who are different from you? Consider how you can be a bridge-builder in a polarized world.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV): "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Reflection: Think of a person or group you find difficult to understand or love. What steps can you take to break the cycle of polarization and show them kindness and understanding?

Day 5: Living Out the Parable

The Good Samaritan acted out of compassion, asking, "If I don't help, what will happen to him?" This selfless love should guide our actions. Consider how you can show mercy and love in your daily life, even when it's inconvenient or challenging. [53:23]

The Good Samaritan acted out of compassion, asking, "If I don't help, what will happen to him?" This selfless love should guide our actions. The parable challenges us to show mercy and love in our daily lives, even when it's inconvenient or challenging. It calls us to move beyond our comfort zones and act with compassion and mercy.

Reflect on how you can live out the parable of the Good Samaritan in your daily life. How can you show mercy and love to those in need, even when it's inconvenient or challenging? Consider how you can make selfless love a guiding principle in your life.

James 2:15-17 (ESV): "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you can show mercy and love this week. How can you act with compassion, even if it's inconvenient or challenging? What steps can you take to make selfless love a guiding principle in your life?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we embarked on a new series focusing on the power of storytelling, particularly the parables of Jesus. Stories have a unique ability to touch our hearts, challenge our minds, and inspire change. Jesus, the master storyteller, used parables to convey profound truths in relatable ways. We began with one of the most well-known parables, the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:25-37.

The parable starts with a lawyer testing Jesus by asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus, in His wisdom, turns the question back to the lawyer, who correctly answers that one must love God and love their neighbor. The lawyer then asks, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus responds with the story of a man beaten and left for dead, ignored by a priest and a Levite, but helped by a Samaritan. This was a radical example, as Samaritans were despised by Jews at the time.

The story challenges us to reconsider who our neighbors are and how we show love. It pushes us to move beyond our comfort zones and prejudices, urging us to act with compassion and mercy, even towards those we might consider enemies. The parable also prompts us to reflect on whether we are defined by who we hate or by how we love. In a polarized world, our actions and attitudes can either bridge gaps or widen them. The call is clear: to be known for our love, as Jesus taught, and to live out that love in tangible ways.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Stories: Stories have the ability to transform us by making complex truths relatable and memorable. Jesus used parables to teach profound lessons in simple, everyday terms. Reflect on how stories in your life have shaped your understanding and actions. [29:56]
2. Who is My Neighbor?: The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to expand our definition of "neighbor" beyond those who are like us. It calls us to show love and compassion to everyone, including those we might consider enemies. This radical love is at the heart of Jesus' teaching. [35:37]
3. Defined by Love, Not Hate: Are we defined by who we hate or by how we love? This question is crucial for Christians today. Our faith should be evident in our love for others, not in our divisions or exclusions. Reflect on how your actions and attitudes reflect this principle. [42:17]
4. The Impact of Polarization: Our anger and disdain for those who are different can create a cycle of polarization and division. To break this cycle, we must take responsibility for our attitudes and seek to understand and love others, even when it's difficult. [45:12]
5. Living Out the Parable: The Good Samaritan acted out of compassion, asking, "If I don't help, what will happen to him?" This selfless love should guide our actions. Consider how you can show mercy and love in your daily life, even when it's inconvenient or challenging. [53:23]
### [53:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[28:51] - Introduction to Vacation Bible School
[29:15] - New Series on Storytelling
[29:56] - The Power of Stories
[31:14] - Introduction to the Parable of the Good Samaritan
[31:48] - The Lawyer's Question
[34:01] - Jesus' Response
[35:37] - Who is My Neighbor?
[37:03] - The Parable of the Good Samaritan
[38:45] - The Lawyer's Answer
[40:18] - The Controversial Samaritan
[42:17] - Defined by Love, Not Hate
[45:12] - The Impact of Polarization
[48:22] - Who Are We in the Story?
[53:23] - Living Out the Parable
[57:00] - Closing Prayer
[63:05] - Vacation Bible School Announcement
[64:10] - Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What question does the lawyer ask Jesus to test Him, and how does Jesus initially respond? ([31:48])
In the parable, who are the three individuals that encounter the beaten man, and what are their reactions? ([37:03])
How does the lawyer respond when Jesus asks him which of the three was a neighbor to the beaten man? ([38:45])
What is the significance of the Samaritan being the one who helps the beaten man, considering the historical context? ([40:18])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to tell a story (parable) instead of directly answering the lawyer's question about who is a neighbor? ([36:16])
How does the parable of the Good Samaritan challenge the lawyer's (and our) understanding of who our neighbor is? ([35:37])
What does the parable suggest about the relationship between love and action? How does this relate to the lawyer's initial question about inheriting eternal life? ([34:01])
How does the parable address the issue of polarization and division within society? ([45:12])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you were in need of help. How did the actions of others impact you, and how does this experience shape your understanding of the parable? ([51:29])
Think about someone you find difficult to love or consider an "enemy." What practical steps can you take this week to show them compassion and mercy? ([40:58])
Are there areas in your life where you are more defined by who you dislike rather than by how you love? How can you shift your focus to be more love-centered? ([42:17])
How can you actively work to bridge gaps and reduce polarization in your community or church? What specific actions can you take to foster understanding and unity? ([45:12])
The Samaritan asked, "If I don't help, what will happen to him?" How can this question guide your actions in daily life, especially when you encounter someone in need? ([53:23])
Identify a situation where you might have passed by someone in need due to inconvenience or prejudice. How can you prepare yourself to respond differently in the future? ([49:52])
How can you incorporate the principles of the Good Samaritan into your daily routine, ensuring that your faith is evident through your actions? ([57:00])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "A good story can make us laugh. A good story can make us cry. A good story can inspire us. It can convict us. A good story can challenge us. A good story can change us. And so there's no wonder that Jesus used stories in so much of his teaching. We call them parables." [29:56](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Are we defined by who we hate or by how we love? Are we defined by who we hate who we disagree with, who we dissapear, who is the other, or are we defined by how we love? And I would say we need to have some self-awareness. We can ignore all the studies and all the surveys of what people say about the church today and about Christians today and what they believe and how they do because right up at the top of the list, over and over again, is we've been defined by who we hate, who we marginalize, who we leave out." [42:17](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If we want to change the world, people need to know that we love them, that we care about them. They don't care what we know. They don't care how well we can debate or argue. They want to see that we are Christians by our love. And so go into this week remembering that." [01:02:50](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Does our anger at the other side help create the very things we're angry about? We live in a very, very polarized world. Certainly polarized country and even sometimes polarized church. I think, to a person everybody would say, I'm so tired of it. I'm so tired of the polarization. I'm so tired of, you know, us and them you know we need to come together I think at some level we would all say that and agree with that but it's so difficult to do." [45:12](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. I think it's a good summation of the parable of the Good Samaritan as well." [01:02:50](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "It's easy to say, well, we love everybody's our neighbor. We love everybody. It's much, much harder. Much, much harder to live out. And here's the second question. Does our anger at the other side help create the very things we're angry about? We live in a very, very polarized world. Certainly polarized country and even sometimes polarized church. I think, to a person everybody would say, I'm so tired of it. I'm so tired of the polarization. I'm so tired of, you know, us and them you know we need to come together I think at some level we would all say that and agree with that but it's so difficult to do because you see I've been reading recently some stuff about polarization dynamics and what sociologists and psychologists and even theologians are saying about how do we get past this polarization that we have and part of it is understanding as individuals what our responsibility is in that." [44:34](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The priest and the Levite, what's their story? What's going on there? And I can, and you've heard this in other sermons, I could tell you, you know, the priest had gone to the temple and done the ritual cleaning. I could do all that stuff, but I think it's more important for this sermon to kind of contextualize it. Who were the priest and the Levite in the story? Well, they were the preacher and the church leader. That's who they were. Now, why didn't they stop? They knew this verse. They would have agreed with this verse, love your neighbors, love yourself. Why didn't they stop?" [48:22](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me? And we might put ourselves into that place where we have not given aid to someone else in need. What have been our reasons? And maybe it was something like if they're in that problem, they probably deserve it. We blame the victim. We do that, right? I find myself doing that. I see somebody's, you know, begging on the street somewhere and I'm going like, well, they made poor life decisions or, you know, there must be a reason for that. See somebody who's broke down on the side of the road or out of gas and I'm thinking, well, you know, I don't have time for that. They, you know, weren't responsible." [53:23](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Are we defined by who we hate or by how we love? Are we defined by who we hate who we disagree with, who we dissapear, who is the other, or are we defined by how we love? And I would say we need to have some self-awareness. We can ignore all the studies and all the surveys of what people say about the church today and about Christians today and what they believe and how they do because right up at the top of the list, over and over again, is we've been defined by who we hate, who we marginalize, who we leave out." [42:17](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The story of the Good Samaritan, it is not a literal story that happened. You know, Jesus has got some, you know, I think Jesus trying to make a point with it. But who we are in the story, we can get into it and bring our own backstory into it. And as we do that, I think we can make it come alive. So make sense? And so the priest and the Levite, what's their story? What's going on there? And I can, and you've heard this in other sermons, I could tell you, you know, the priest had gone to the temple and done the ritual cleaning. I could do all that stuff, but I think it's more important for this sermon to kind of contextualize it. Who were the priest and the Levite in the story? Well, they were the preacher and the church leader. That's who they were. Now, why didn't they stop? They knew this verse. They would have agreed with this verse, love your neighbors, love yourself. Why didn't they stop?" [48:22](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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