Sermon: Love of Neighbor

Scripture Text: Luke 10:25-37

Quotes for Reflection

David Brooks, How to Know a Person
You may find the whole idea of God ridiculous, but I ask you to believe in the concept of a soul. You may just be chatting with someone about the weather, but I ask you to assume that the person in front of you contains some piece of themselves that has no weight, size, color, or shape yet gives them infinite value and dignity. If you consider that each person has a soul, you will be aware that each person has some transcendent spark inside them. You will be aware that at the deepest level we are all equals. We’re not equal in might, intelligence, or wealth, but we are all equal on the level of our souls. If you see the people you meet as precious souls, you’ll probably wind up treating them well. If you can attend to people in this way, you won’t be merely observing them or scrutinizing them. You’ll be illuminating them with a gaze that is warm, respectful, and admiring. You’ll be offering a gaze that says, “I’m going to trust you, before you trust me.”

N.T. Wright, Luke for Everyone
What is at stake, then and now, is the question of whether we will use the God-given revelation of love and grace as a way of boosting our own sense of isolated security and purity, or whether we will see it as a call and challenge to extend that love and grace to the whole world. No church, no Christian, can remain content with easy definitions which allow us to watch most of the world lying half-dead in the road.

J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of Luke
The world would be a happier world if there was more practical Christianity.

Application Questions

1. Why is the story of the Good Samaritan so radical?

2. What role does personal identity play in our ability to love others?

3. How might your life be enriched this week by loving your neighbor?