Our church is in the process of reading through the New Testament one chapter per day. Selected portions of the accumulated weekly readings then become fodder for Sunday sermons, as well as being used to take a deeper dive during our Wednesday night gatherings. Recently we were having a discussion concerning the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and it got me to thinking—that can be dangerous! In these times of contentious debate and a hostile environment surrounding cancel culture, I began to ponder what exactly it means to be “a good neighbor”, and further, how would Jesus expect us to respond in these unprecedented times? I offer you my take and look forward to your responses…
Does loving our neighbor come with a directive that we must agree with our neighbor? I don’t believe that it does. Loving neighbor as self means showing respect and common dignity, despite our own opinions and beliefs. Everyone deserves that, right? We wouldn’t want to treat or judge someone in any outward way that we would not want to be treated ourselves. As far as it depends on us, we are called to love with grace and mercy, which should be an easy enough task as we remember that we are not called to blindly accept every wind of doctrine. We can agree to disagree. Permission granted.
When we have strong differences of opinion, we should be able to discuss matters in a respectful, free exchange of ideas, but we can never demand that another person change to our way of thinking. Not even God does that! Each individual must make his or her own choice in wanting or seeking change in their life. We humans have been given free will to make our own choices and decisions in the living out of our days. God did not create us as robotic beings with pre-programmed responses. Sometimes there is pain in that. We don’t want to have strife and discord, particularly with our loved ones.
The simple fact is we cannot make better choices for any adult, be it a drug addict or a porn star. Yet, we can attempt to love them in a way that is kind and supportive and that may just lead them to the One who does have the power to change a life–as long as they are desirious of wanting that change.
So here’s the real question: How do we love others, our neighbors, beyond the divide of disagreement? Here is my common sense, albeit altruistic, response. Chime in and let me know what you think…
I love to watch HGTV! There are two different couple-led design shows that I’ve been hooked on for years—most of you probably already know which two couples I’m referring to;) Both are equally talented and entertaining, but each have their own unique approach to design, and to life.
One of the couples chooses not to participate in featuring same-sex couples on their show due to their deeply held religious beliefs. I view this as perfectly acceptable because it honors their faith, and it is their choice to make for their own business. They have taken a lot of heat by standing up for what they believe in, but they have never faltered. I’m confident they are aware that there are many other well-qualified designers that would jump at the opportunity to work with these couples. They have in no way taken all choices away, they have simply made a choice of their own. It’s not a personal attack, it’s merely a quiet acting out of their personal belief system–which they are fully entitled to do.
The other HGTV couple also embraces a very deep and personal faith. Their love for the Lord is expressed in a completely different, more inclusive way. They have routinely featured same sex clients on their show. I also view this as perfectly acceptable. I would venture to guess that their faith informs them that a gay couple is no less deserving of a great buy and a magnificent makeover. In this way, they are honoring their Lord, their faith, and their neighbor.
While my personal viewpoint (on any topic) holds to the Biblical standard, I can see nothing wrong with each of these examples, for they are doing no harm to anyone. And isn’t that the greater point? Loving neighbor does not insist that we fully agree with someone else’s lifestyle choices. (Or their design choices! LOL) What it does mean is that we can be respectful and kind, and simply leave the rest to God.
For me, there is a greater issue at hand: the loss of civility in the public square. From either side of the fence, you cannot ridicule or bring harm to your neighbor. No one has the right to wreak havoc and cause ruin for those you don’t agree with–from bakers of cakes to politicians to neighbors. We are called to love and live peaceably among one another. In any community, good neighbors are not allowed to sabotage your life or to commit illegal acts without consequence.
How wonderful it would be if neighbors stepped down from the podium of political assault and personal vengeance and simply sought out those things they desire to have, whether a product or a service, rather than attempting to force their will on another. I really cannot imagine a Christian couple wanting to rent out a gay bar for their wedding reception. I venture to say it wouldn’t even cross their mind. It would be an embarrassing personal affront to the bar owner.
I leave you with (hopefully) a few thought-provoking questions…What would happen if we chose to respect one another’s choices and even find a basis of connection that we can agree on? Be it a beautiful symphony, a pleasurable food, a favorite movie or a really good book. There is good and bad in everyone, but as Christians what are we to focus on? If the roles were reversed, and we could step into another’s shoes, could we summon the empathy to articulate how each of us would want and expect to be treated by the other person? Based on that experience, might it possibly cause us to approach someone we normally do not agree with, any differently?
In the Biblical account of the Good Samaritan, was it not the one who showed mercy and compassion that indeed possessed the gift of neighborly love? May we go and do likewise at the direction of our Lord.