Who is my neighbor? It is a crucial question for a number of reasons. I’ll merely share two: 1) The topic is at the core of what it means to follow Jesus 2) We live in extremely polarized times.

We live in a cultural climate where there seems to be a great divide between democrats and republicans, blue collar and white collar, rich, poor, and middle class. Even in our congregation … they’re Aggies, Longhorns and Bears.

 Who is my neighbor? I can’t think of a more pressing question. And I can’t find a more fitting question for the church. I don’t think the great divide will be crossed by accident, legislation or public policy. Yet, I do believe the church can cross the divide. Those who bear the name of Jesus can cross the divide.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan we see a beautiful depiction of loving your neighbor and a powerful command to “go and do likewise.”

Love your neighbor … even when it’s difficult.

Love your neighbor … even when it’s uncomfortable.

Love your neighbor … even when it makes no sense.

Beyond the Good Samaritan we have a great example to follow: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

 Christ died for you … and it was difficult.

Christ died for you … and it was uncomfortable.

Christ died for you … and it made no (human) sense.

But God loved us nonetheless. Let us love God and love others.