Introduction

The question “Who is my neighbor?” is a quintessential inquiry that navigates the intersection of spirituality, philosophy, ethics, and human relationships. It is an inquiry embedded deeply in the biblical teachings, particularly in the Parable of the Good Samaritan relayed by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. The understanding of this question’s answer has evolved over the centuries, mirroring society’s moral and ethical progress. This article explores the concept of ‘neighbor’ in the context of God’s Word, with a focus on Christian teachings, while acknowledging its universal essence transcending religious boundaries.

The Biblical Perspective

In the Bible, the concept of a neighbor is multi-dimensional. In the Old Testament, the term ‘neighbor’ often referred to fellow Israelites. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16) is one instance where neighbor is commonly interpreted as one’s fellow countryman.

However, the New Testament and Jesus’ teachings expand this concept to a universal level. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is a perfect illustration of this. Asked by a lawyer about who his neighbor was, Jesus didn’t offer a direct answer. Instead, He told a story of a Samaritan (a group despised by Jews at the time) who helped a wounded Jew while other Jewish men ignored him. In this context, the neighbor was not the one of the same race or the one living next door, but the one who showed compassion and mercy.

The Universal Neighbor

Thus, the teachings of Jesus Christ reframed the understanding of ‘neighbor.’ It challenged the narrow definitions based on geographical proximity, race, or nationality. In essence, anyone in need, regardless of their identity or location, is our ‘neighbor.’ This interpretation aligns with the fundamental Christian teaching of love: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

The commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) takes on a new dimension in this light. It calls for empathy, understanding, and active kindness towards all human beings, not just those within our immediate circle. This teaching transcends Christianity and finds echoes in other religious and moral systems worldwide, emphasizing the universality of its moral message. This is not suggesting that all religions are the way to God or that all religions are acceptable to God. It is only saying that if you see a person in distress or need and have it within your means to come to that person’s aid, Christ expects you to do so.

The Neighbor in Contemporary Society

In our globalized world, the biblical concept of the ‘neighbor’ has become even more pertinent. Modern communication and transportation technologies have brought distant people closer than ever before. Today, our neighbors are those living next door or in the same community and those thousands of miles away, whom we may never meet in person.

The plight of a refugee halfway around the globe, the struggle of a farmer in a developing country, and the despair of a homeless person in a distant city are our neighbors too. Our understanding of ‘neighbor’ has broadened to incorporate a global community, a profound reflection of the parable’s message in the 21st-century context.

Conclusion

So, who is your neighbor? In light of God’s Word, it is everyone. It’s the person next door, the stranger on the street, the individual on the other side of the world. It’s anyone who needs compassion, love, and mercy. It’s anyone we can extend our kindness and love towards. By practicing love and compassion, we embody the true essence of being a ‘neighbor,’ as envisaged in the teachings of Jesus Christ. This universal brotherhood and sisterhood, reflecting the divine command to love one another, is the core of understanding who our real neighbors are.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).