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The Giving Neighbor
Brian Mashburn
October 12, 2014
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What Gives?
We are in week 5 of our series on Neighboring, and we have already seen that Jesus has exalted his model neighbor in Luke 10 by pointing out that he "saw" the wounded man, we "felt compassion" for him, he "went" to him, and he "healed him" by addressing his hurt.
By the time we get to the part of the story where this Good Samaritan is spending his time, his money, and his possessions on this wounded neighbor, we hardly notice how sacrificial he is in this giving.
Jesus noted that the hero in this parable, "put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him." He then added that he took out two more silver coins to pay in advance for any other costs the man might incur.
Some people give out of pride. They give either because they feel good about themselves or want others to feel good about them.
Some people give out of guilt. They give "because they have so much" or because they have been shamed into it.
Some give out of legalism. They feel there is a spiritual duty to give a minimum amount and fear divine consequences of some kind if they fail to meet it.
Some don't give at all, hiding behind their own lack, or other's excess, or some warped sense of "stewardship".
But anyone who lives in love, gives. They can't help themselves. Love gives. And as John said, "whoever lives in love, lives in God, and God in him." (John 4:16)