In Luke 10:25–37, an expert in Law asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbour?” Jesus answers with the story of the Good Samaritan. Jesus then turns the question around. It is not only, “Who is my neighbour?” but also, “How can you be a neighbour?” Jesus says, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)
Two weeks back, I had a small but meaningful experience of a good neighbour.
Tuesdays are our bin day. Usually, I take the bin out early morning on the day of collection. That day also I did the same. I thought, “Job done. Tick the box.”
But surprisingly, a couple of hours later, one of my immediate neighbours rang my doorbell. When I opened the door, he gently said, “I think you have put the wrong bin out today.”
When I checked, I found he was right! In the dark, because I had not put on our outdoor light, I made a mistake. I am not blaming the short days or dark nights. But in the middle of my limitation and failure, someone was there like a light, someone who helped me correct it.
That day, my neighbour did not do something “big” like the Good Samaritan, but it was still a true neighbourly act. As Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others”(Matthew 5:16), we can be a light not only in church work or big projects, but also in simple moments and small acts of kindness.
And it also teaches us we all need people who can lovingly “audit” us, help us check whether what we have done is right. We should not reject correction. We should learn to listen to the voices around us, especially when they speak with care and respect.
Lord, how can I be a good neighbour today?
Lord, am I humble enough to accept correction when I need it?
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for placing people around us. Help us to grow as good neighbours, to share your light, love, and life. Give us a humble heart to accept correction, and a gentle spirit to guide others with love. Let your light shine through us today. Amen.