And who is my neighbor?

Some very interesting things emerge when you do a word study on the word "neighbor". First, it's mentioned over 100 times in scripture and almost always in reference to how a true believer is supposed to behave in relationship to their neighbors. Jesus had much to say about this issue especially as it referred to ones eternal position (Luke 10:25-37). Most of the New Testament writers also pointed back to this phrase "love your neighbor as yourself". So this got me thinking; how could this have an effect in our practical "standing" for Jesus amongst a hostile worldly culture? I think the most glaring thing that stands out would be; if your neighbor doesn't know (GR. ginsko) Jesus like you know Jesus then chances are they will be hostile towards you if and when times get difficult (as prophesied by brother Paul in 2 Timothy 3).

It may behoove all of us to do a reality check on our own lives in regard to this "loving your neighbor as yourself" thing, this writer included. Who really is my neighbor? Do we really look at them as lost and going to hell? Do we really see their needs, physical & spiritual? Do we care? These are all good questions to ponder as we see these "difficult times" just over the horizon. Also, as stated in the first post, it may behoove all of us to continue to pray for each other in regard to this as well........it's not easy to walk 180 degrees from 2 Timothy 3:2, and following. Check it out for yourselves.


2 Timothy 3:1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.

G5467 χαλεπός chalepos
khal-ep-os'
Perhaps from G5465 through the idea of reducing the strength; difficult, that is, dangerous, or (by implication) furious: - fierce, perilous.


Philippians 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;

G1097 γινώσκω ginōskō
ghin-oce'-ko
A prolonged form of a primary verb; to "know" (absolutely), in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as shown at left, with others not thus clearly expressed): - allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) known (-ledge), perceive, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.