By Pastor Mark Quick
Christians are called to love and assist others while at the same time maintaining distinction from the world. We can do this when we discern the difference between a neighbor and a partner.
Luke records, in Luke 10:28-37, one of Jesus’ most memorable parables, “The Good Samaritan.” The Samaritan, upon finding a man beaten and stripped by robbers, was willing to hurdle cultural and racial barriers and to expend personal effort and fortune to assist him. We learn from this parable that our neighbor is anyone within our circle of influence to whom we can be benevolent. It doesn’t matter what race, religion, social, or political background they come from, we have the duty and the privilege to express God’s love and share the gospel.
Paul gives an important admonition to believers, however, in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, “Do not be unequally yoked / bound together with unbelievers.” He points out there can be no true fellowship between righteousness and lawlessness or true faith and idolatry. He challenges us to “come out from their midst and be separate … and do not touch what is unclean.” These “yokings” are partnerships that are intimate enough that the interaction could dilute our commitment to God. Marriage is the most obvious and profound “yoke” people enter. We must ask the following questions when considering a yoke of marriage, friendship, or social or business partnership: (1) How will it affect my walk with God? (2) What will it expose me to? (3) What will it do to my reputation?
We can be a neighbor to ANYONE. The distinction comes with regard to our PARTNERS. Our words and deeds should express God’s love and grace, but also his purity.
