Feb 14: Insight Post by Michael Thayer

  -   February 14, 2025

Our Neighbor Is Anyone in Need: Jesus redefines neighbor as anyone who is in need, regardless of their identity or relationship to us. This parable reminds us to expand our understanding of who we are called to love and serve.

Friday Verse

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 (NLT)

Friday Questions

How can I broaden my definition of neighbor to include those outside of my immediate circle? How can I serve them with love and compassion

Friday Insight Post
by Michael Thayer

“The one who had mercy on him.” That was the response the expert in the law gave after Jesus, in Luke chapter 10, told him the parable of the Good Samaritan and asked – Which one of these was a neighbor to the man who was robbed and beaten?  To the one who was in need?

I don’t know about you, but when I am feeling a bit off kilter, and the world feels like it’s swirling around me, my instincts are to yes, pray, but also to circle the wagons, focus on the family (read: my family) and hunker down until the threat has passed. 

Even though the Good Samaritan, the priest, and the Levite lived in biblical times, our world was as fallen then as it is now. I am sure each of them had their own problems and needs and did not want to take on more. Yet it was the Good Samaritan, despite what he had going on in his life, who had mercy on and tended to the immediate needs of the man who was robbed. It was not the priest nor the Levite who came to the man’s aid, but the outsider, the Samaritan.

Today’s verse: When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.  Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 (NLT)

So, as I reflect on my own tendencies, what can I learn from today’s verse? It’s convicting. While I should not neglect my responsibilities, no matter what is going on in my life, I should not only be ready but also eager (this can be tough at times) to help my neighbor—God’s people (read: everyone) who are in need. Instead of looking inward and focusing on myself, God calls me to continue serving Him by serving others while looking to Him to calm whatever storm I might be experiencing or to give me strength to persevere.

Lord, help me put Your Word into practice!

Michael Thayer
Leadership Team Member

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org