Neighbourliness

by L.H. Taylor, Romford | Category: Christian Standards | Aug 1973

There are few subjects in the Scriptures on which clearer guidance is given than this one. Its practice, however, calls for humility, searching of heart and prayer. The main characteristics of neighbourliness are the submerging of self, and concern for the well-being of others. In the Scriptures a neighbour is a person who is near to one without regard to circumstances, colour, religion or class. That person's interests must be sought from a heart moved with the love of God. Much is heard today of social justice, but its origin and principles are clearly set forth in the inspired Word. Right relationships with our fellowmen are of paramount importance. Most of the world's current problems can be traced to failure to appreciate the divine standard in this matter. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ we must give careful thought to our responsibilities to our neighbours.

In the past God chose one nation out of the world to be His people, and He gave them the rule of law by which their spiritual, moral and social life should be governed. The two great commandments of law are emphasized by our Lord:

"And He said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt Jove thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hangeth the whole law, and the prophets" (Matt. 22:37-40).

This second commandment is spelt out in the LORD'S word to Israel through Moses, "Thou shalt not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD" (Lev. 19:

18).

Amos the prophet had a clear vision of God's love and mercy towards those who were despised and oppressed (5:11). He was himself a man of humble, self-denying character, "I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a dresser of sycomore trees: and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto My people Israel" (7:14,15). The herdman of Tekoa's love for his fellows drew him to serve the Lord. He besought God on behalf of the people to stave off the locusts from destroying the latter growth because of the poverty of the people, and his request was granted (7:1-3).

"And who is my neighbour?" (Luke 10:29). The question addressed to the Lord by "a certain lawyer" has often been repeated. It has been used to justify self or raise doubt or argument to justify inaction. The answer was given by our Lord in the story of the Good Samaritan. "There was a certain man". Yes, there is always a certain man whose path in life has been crossed by tragedy, by loss or some other deprivation. Ordinary human problems can bring despair, emptiness or loneliness. Some, like the priest, intent on what appear to be worthy pursuits, are oblivious of need or too proud or removed from reality to help the helpless. Others, like the Levite, are aware of the need but seek to avoid confrontation, and look for escape. Alternatively, they consider themselves unsuitable to communicate, and leave the task, so they think, to those who are better qualified for it.

The Samaritan saw the need, acted spontaneously without reserve and gave help with quiet efficiency and loving care. He was a true neighbour. The Christian should not seek "a desert island" experience. He lives among people desperately in need of help whose condition cries out for practical compassion.

Because of suspicion and satire "doing good" has been debased today and made the subject of mockery. There has been grave departure from the divine ideal. We need always to remember the emphasis given in Scripture, "As we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith" (Gal.6:10); "To do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Heb. 13:16). Peter says of the Lord in the days of His flesh that he "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). The apostle Paul wrote, "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). To fulfil this divine purpose should be one of the main objectives of our lives towards those who are linked with us in divine testimony, to our fellow-members of the Body of Christ, and to all men.

It has been necessary and right to place special emphasis on the doctrine of the Lord for His people in regard to ecclesiastical truth. In the nineteenth century there was an imbalance through the preaching of a "social gospel". We may well inquire, Has the pendulum swung away from the balance which was maintained in the apostles' teaching? Separation is important but separation is not isolation. In the churches of God of apostolic times there was positive involvement in this matter of doing good to those in need. They followed the example of the Master Himself who was always ready to help those in trouble or need of whatever kind. Should there not be a greater exercise about this important matter among the people of God today? There is in the hearts of spiritually dedicated men and women a longing for a more Christlike approach to this problem. We should, of course, be careful of involvements which might compromise our loyalty to the Lord. And we should also keep in view that the greatest service we can render to unsaved neighbours is to lead them to Christ. With these cautions in mind let us go forward and express in a more practical way the compassion of Christ to our neighbours although perhaps strangers to us. May it be that Paul's confession will be ours, "The love of Christ constraineth us" (2 Cor. 5:14).

L.H. Taylor, Romford | Aug 1973
Christian Standards