Christ commanded: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31).
He also made it clear who our neighbor is and what it means to love. Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan:
“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him,”Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:29-38).
Moved by the sufferings of the diseased, poor and outcasts of society, Jesus cured, embraced and lived amongst them. Beyond the physical healing, He restored their dignity as persons made in God’s image and loved by Him. He freed them with love, acceptance and forgiveness. He spoke against discrimination and judgement.
- Jesus Heals a Sick Man (Matthew 8:1-3)
- Jesus Heals a Soldier’s Servant (Matthew 8:5-13)
- Jesus Heals Many People (Matthew 8:14-17)
- Touching His Cloak (Matthew 9:20-22)
- Cripple Man Walks (Mark 2:9-12)
- 10 Lepers Are Healed (Luke 17:12-16)
- Blind Man at Siloam Pool (John 9:6-7)
Do you hear what Jesus is saying about our neighbors affected by HIV/AIDS?
“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)
“If one of my family members is HIV positive, how will I react?”
“If I become HIV positive, how will it change my life?”
“Here I Am Lord, I Come to do Your Will”. Respond here.