The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

#492: The Definition of a Neighbor

• Loren Hicks

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The Big Idea: 

How do we define our neighbors? Are our neighbors people we know and trust? Are they actual neighbors who live near us? Can anyone be a neighbor? What is Jesus getting at? The definition is very important because whoever our neighbor is, Jesus is calling for us to love them as we love ourselves. I mean, that’s asking a lot, isn’t it?


Main Points:

1. It’s natural to be selective in our neighboring. We only have so much time and capacity, so we argue honestly that we can’t help everyone. And that would be true. 
2. If God is not the love of our lives, there is no way that we will truly love our neighbor as ourselves. Something happens when you experience the love of God and then begin to love God in return.  You begin to love what God loves.
3. It’s such a powerful question: Who is my neighbor? Here’s where the answer lies: The neighbor we are called to love is often not the one we choose, but the one God chooses for us.


Today’s Scripture Verses:

Luke 10:27 - "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Luke 6:32-35 - “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same.  But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High…”

John 13:34 - “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”


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