How was your week? Was it busy and filled with stress? Many of us are in a period of life where we are responsible for our well-being and that of others. This can create tension and additional stress. In our current series, we are learning how to make room for God. This week, we focus on making room for people.

Jesus' mission statement in John 10:10 says, "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." This verse emphasizes that Jesus came so that we might live a life filled with the riches of God. Jesus taught us how to live a life through his actions and words. He managed his life to prioritize people, showing us that people matter deeply to Him.

Two of the most powerful experiences in life are achievement and connection. While achievements like career success and financial milestones are important, they often pale in comparison to the fulfillment that comes from connecting with others. As a church, we need to make room for people to find completeness and fulfillment in life.

Genesis 2:18 states, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." This verse highlights that we are created for relationships. We are designed with enough independence to function but not to think we don't need anyone around us. Jesus demonstrated this by living a life of connection and community.

The Heart of the Law: Love God and Love People

In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate the commandment to love God and love people. When asked, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus responds with a story about a Jewish man attacked by bandits and ignored by a priest and a Levite but helped by a despised Samaritan.

Love Without Limits
The Good Samaritan story teaches us that love and compassion should have no limits. The Samaritan showed love and compassion to someone from a different background, emphasizing that true love goes beyond our usual boundaries and biases.

Compassion in Action
The Samaritan's actions—tending to the man's wounds, providing transportation, and ensuring further care—demonstrate that genuine compassion involves tangible, selfless acts. We must put our beliefs about kindness and mercy into practice.

Redefining Neighborliness: Who is my Neighbor

Jesus' message to "go and do likewise" transforms the definition of a good neighbor. It calls us to show mercy and kindness to anyone in need, regardless of their background or past. Our actions, not our status or background, define who we are and how we should treat others.

The Challenge of Being a Good Neighbor

Being a good neighbor can be inconvenient and challenging. It may involve helping people who are different from us or who have hurt us deeply. However, Jesus calls us to move beyond our comfort zones and show love and compassion to all.

A Challenge for the Week

This week, challenge yourself to make room for people in your life. Look for opportunities to show compassion and kindness, even when it's inconvenient. Be present and available to help others, just as the Good Samaritan did.

Questions to Reflect On
1. Are you a bystander or a "do likewise" person?
2. How can you make room for people who are not like you?
3. What tangible actions can you take to show compassion and kindness this week?

Making room for people is not just about being kind to those we know and love. It's about extending that kindness to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. By doing so, we fulfill Jesus' command to love our neighbors as ourselves and make a lasting impact on the world around us. May we all strive to be good neighbors, showing love and compassion to everyone we encounter.