By Janné Grover, Council of Twelve Apostles
When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the native-born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
People sharing random acts of kindness are often referred to as “Good Samaritans” in news reports and social media posts. The importance of sharing kindness and generosity is a good lesson from the parable of the Good Samaritan. However, there is more to this parable than initially comes to mind. Jesus shares this parable in response to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Another way of considering this question is, “To whom do I belong?” or “Whom am I to love?” Pondering these questions confronts our sense of “us-ness” and “other-ness.” The Samaritan was a well-known “other” to a Jew but did not let long-established ethnic and religious boundaries impede his acts of mercy and generosity.
The borders we construct, intentionally or unintentionally, to protect our sense of “us” limit our capacity to live fully in God’s kin-dom of shalom. Even worshiping communities are not immune to this limited capacity. If church is an end in itself that gathers the like-minded to maintain self-serving programs and buildings, our mission is limited by perpetuating “us-ness.” I confess my own part in this over the years. I have resisted ideas in the past about expanding worship services in my home congregation because I didn’t want to lose the comfort of “us” I experienced when the congregation gathered for worship and fellowship.
While there is nothing wrong with finding comfort in a particular gathered community, the parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to live Christ’s love and mission beyond “us,” beyond traditional forms of worship and congregation life, and beyond buildings. How can we invite and welcome “others” in our community who long for a spiritual home and opportunity to engage in compassionate ministries and action? We are reminded that “opportunities abound in our daily lives if we choose to see them” (Doctrine and Covenants 165:1c).
Prayer Phrase
“For everything created by God is good” (1 Timothy 4:4).
Spiritual Practice
Joy of Gratitude
Stand, if possible, with arms outstretched. Imagine God filling your arms with all that you have: family, friends, and possessions. Hold out your arms until they feel tired. Now, bring your arms across your body. Place your hand over your heart and thank God for the abundance that fills your life. Sit for a time aware of that abundance. Then ask God to help you open your heart in gratitude and share freely with others.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.