Love is the Antidote
At the time of this writing, the ugliness of racial prejudice is once again stirring up powerful emotions across America. And we wonder: How can we ever be a united people when hatred exists among us?
Plain and simple, racism is evil. It’s never okay. And God’s people have got to take the lead in humbling ourselves, and in asking him to forgive us as a nation, to change us, and to help us obey his command to love each other.
The law of God plainly says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)
So, who is my neighbor?
Somebody once asked Jesus that question. He answered with a simple story. The story goes like this:
A man [presumably a Jewish man] was traveling on a long, rugged and dangerous road from Jerusalem to Jericho. While on his journey, he was attacked—beaten, robbed and left for dead.
Along came a priest, who saw him but didn’t help him. He just passed by on the other side of the road. Then a Levite came along and ignored him as well.
Finally, a Samaritan came by and saw the beaten man lying there. He paused his own journey, took care of the injured man’s wounds and took time to transport him to safety. He then paid in advance for the man’s food, care and lodging, and made certain that someone would continue to help him.
After Jesus ended this story, he said, “Go and do likewise.”
Now, to get the full impact of this parable, it’s important to know that, historically, Samaritans and Jews didn’t like each other very much. It was unlikely they would ever go out of their way to help one another. Yet, this particular Samaritan broke out of that mindset. He offered patience, compassion and generosity to a total stranger—someone who probably wouldn’t have helped him if the situation were reversed.
Conversly, the men who ignored the dying victim shared the same culture and religion as the man, yet they couldn’t be bothered to show him the least bit of mercy. They were supposed to be God’s people, but you wouldn’t know it from their actions.
We’ve all heard this story before. We want to identify with that Samaritan, but I wonder. None of us wants to believe that we are careless or prejudiced. But if we take an open, honest assessment of our hearts, we will no doubt discover some things we need to work on, like some unloving attitudes and apathy toward our neighbors. It’s important to ask God to reveal to us what’s hidden deep inside—ask him what he wants to change in us.
Here are a few hard questions that each of ask should ask ourselves:
Does this parable sting my conscience at all?
Am I apathetic like the priest and the Levite in the story?
How far would I go out of my way to help or defend someone I don’t know?
Is there any prejudice in my heart against any person—or any people group (maybe just a little bit)?
Am I afraid of people who are different from me?
Am I indifferent to the pain of people I don’t know?
If (when) God reveals some wrong attitudes, then it’s time to repent. In the Bible, the Greek word translated repent is metanoesate, which means “to change one’s mind or attitude.”
It’s not easy to change a deep-seated belief or attitude, but nothing is impossible with God. With his help, we can change. It’s going to take some painful honesty, work and humility, but we can become more Christlike, more willing to reach out to heal the hurting. Our Father can help us care deeply about the pain of others.
Can you imagine how the world would change if all of God’s people loved in the way of the Good Samaritan?