Right Kind of Neighbor

We will all agree, whoever invented bandages did us all all ... a good deed! They come in all shapes, sizes and variations of colors. There's only one thing we must remember about bandages: while they may help and promote healing, they only cover the wound. A man asked Jesus, "who is my neighbor." Jesus then told a parable about a man who had been attacked and beaten by robbers and left seriously injured by the side of the road. Two otherwise nice guys passed the injured man but failed to offer any help; it was instead a third man - a Samaritan, one least expected to offer kindness who actually stopped, treated and bandaged the injured man's wounds then took him where he could further heal from his injuries. Jesus asked, "which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the the man who fell into the robbers' hands?" (Luke 10:36, NASB). I'm fairly confident we'd all answer Jesus' question accurately but I fear too often we aren't the neighborly one; we pass-by those who are hurting and need a moment of attention, an act of kindness, a tender word, a listening ear, direction to the healing grace of Jesus. Sometimes a bandage has already been applied yet healing not in progress. As followers of Jesus, we know of the Salve and Balm and Physician Who heals. What kind of neighbor am I, are you? Be the ... right kind of neighbor.