LIVING THE LIFE OF A TRUE NEIGHBOUR

LIVING THE LIFE OF A TRUE NEIGHBOUR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 10:25-37

Supporting Texts: Matthew 22:36-40, 1 John 4:20-21, Galatians 6:2, Romans 13:10, Proverbs 3:27

INTRODUCTION:
One of the most profound parables of Jesus is found in Luke 10:25–37. A lawyer asks a question to test Jesus: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responds by pointing him to the law—love God and love your neighbour. But the man, seeking to justify himself, asks: “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus answers with the parable of the Good Samaritan.

This story challenges religious hypocrisy and calls us to live out practical love. It is not just about knowing Scripture or holding positions of spiritual authority—it is about showing mercy. The Samaritan, despised by Jews, became the hero of compassion, while the priest and the Levite—expected to help—walked away.

True Christianity is measured not only by our devotion to God but by how we treat others—especially the hurting, the forgotten, and the rejected. To be a true neighbour is to reflect the heart of God in a broken world.

1. COMPASSION MUST MOVE US TO ACTION
God does not call us to feel pity alone, but to act in love toward the hurting.

a) The Priest and Levite Represent Religious Apathy (Luke 10:31-32)
They saw the man, but offered no help—religion without love is powerless.

b) The Samaritan Had Compassion and Responded (Luke 10:33)
He stopped, he approached, and he cared—love is an action, not a feeling.

c) Love Without Action Is Useless (1 John 3:17-18)
Real love must go beyond words and be demonstrated in deeds.

d) We Must Not Ignore the Wounded on the Road of Life (Proverbs 3:27)
If it is in our power to help, we must do so without delay.

Biblical Example: The early Church cared for one another, selling possessions to meet needs (Acts 4:34-35).

2. BEING A NEIGHBOUR TRANSCENDS BOUNDARIES
Love does not discriminate—it crosses cultural, racial, and religious lines.

a) Jews and Samaritans Were Bitter Enemies (John 4:9)
Yet it was a Samaritan, not a fellow Jew, who showed mercy.

b) Love Is Not Limited to Familiarity (Matthew 5:43-45)
We are called to love even our enemies and those different from us.

c) Being a Neighbour Means Seeing Beyond Differences (Galatians 3:28)
In Christ, all barriers are broken—love must be inclusive.

d) God’s Love Is for All People, Without Partiality (Romans 2:11)
Our love must reflect God's impartial heart toward humanity.

Biblical Example: Jesus ministered to a Canaanite woman despite cultural boundaries (Matthew 15:21-28).

3. LOVE COSTS SOMETHING
To truly love means making sacrifices—of time, comfort, and resources.

a) The Samaritan Used His Own Resources (Luke 10:34–35)
He gave oil, wine, transportation, time, and money.

b) Love Requires Us to Be Inconvenienced (Philippians 2:3–4)
True love is unselfish and considers others more important than ourselves.

c) Helping Others May Not Be Convenient or Safe (Luke 10:30)
The road was dangerous, yet the Samaritan took the risk.

d) Love Reflects the Generosity of God (1 John 4:10-11)
We love because He first loved us—sacrificially.

Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath gave her last meal to Elijah and was blessed (1 Kings 17:12-16).

4. TRUE RELIGION IS EXPRESSED THROUGH MERCY
God is more pleased with merciful action than religious ritual.

a) Jesus Asked, “Which Was the True Neighbour?” (Luke 10:36-37)
The one who showed mercy, not the ones who walked by.

b) Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement (James 2:13)
We must not look down on others but lift them up in compassion.

c) Serving God Includes Serving People (Matthew 25:35-40)
Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for Christ.

d) Being a Neighbour Is a Mark of Spiritual Maturity (Micah 6:8)
God requires us to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.

Biblical Example: Dorcas was full of good works and almsgiving—her kindness caused others to intercede for her (Acts 9:36-41).

CONCLUSION:
The parable of the Good Samaritan remains a timeless call to compassionate Christianity. Jesus calls us not just to admire the story but to go and “do likewise.” We must move beyond religion into relationship—not only with God but with our fellow man. Love must be practical, intentional, and selfless.

Being a true neighbour means seeing people through God’s eyes, breaking through barriers, and being willing to pay the price of love. Let us rise from this message with hearts that are stirred—not just to feel, but to act. God is counting on us to reflect His mercy in a hurting world.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a heart of compassion that moves me to action.
2. Help me to see beyond differences and love unconditionally.
3. Teach me to live a life of sacrifice for the good of others.
4. Let my life reflect true religion through acts of mercy.
5. Deliver me from apathy and empower me to be a true neighbour.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will no longer walk past the wounded—God is making you a healer!
2. May your hands be extensions of God's mercy in this generation!
3. You will be a voice of love and hope in your community!
4. From today, the love of God will flow through your life like never before!
5. You are a true neighbour, and your kindness shall be remembered in heaven!