Posted: 06/22/2016 at 2:48pm | IP Logged

The New Testament defines neighbor and neighbors as those within walking distance who are part of God’s family. The Good Samaritan proved to be a neighbor to the one in dire straits. Those invited to a feast were not rich neighbors. The were the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind. Check the links for a complete quote of all New Testament Word of God on the subject.

Misconceptions abound

The reason I point this out is to clear up the misconceptions of those we should consider our neighbors. Our neighbors are those in the community of the King, the body of Christ, the family of God that we know. 

Yes, we should love our enemies, and pray for them that persecute us, as Jesus commanded (Mt 5:43-48). But again, this involves people we know or encounter personally.

Jesus never commanded us to take on the troubles of the whole world, nor even those we know about through mass communication.

Jesus only asks us to relate in a godly manner with those we personally know or encounter.

Please tell me what you think.