"Who is my neighbor?" Many have asked themselves this question, but in today's volatile setting, we may be asking it with the wrong motives. Do you remember the story of the good Samaritan? It started with a lawyer asking Jesus a question about life and being reminded to "love your neighbor as yourself." Then, the lawyer asks a follow-up question: "Who is my neighbor?" Lawyers need to clarify, parse, and define with detail and precision under the law.
Was it a trick question? I don't think so. It seems he was looking for an answer to justify himself, but he got more than he bargained for when Jesus answered. The response redefined "neighbor" not in terms of race, religion, proximity, or status. Jesus made it much simpler.