A certain man moved into our community. He did not fall among robbers who beat him and left him dead. He just moved in.

By chance, a certain Christian who was his neighbor was going down that way, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side, saying to himself, “I’m almost late now for my appointment, so I can’t stop to visit. Anyway, very likely someone has already invited him to attend the services of the church.”

In like manner, another Christian, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side saying, “Some people might go and invite this man to church, but I’ll just wait until the subject comes up, then I’ll say, ‘pardon me, I hope you don’t get the impression I’m a fanatic on religion, but if you get a chance, you might like to visit our services Sunday. That is, if you feel like it…”

But a certain member, as he journeyed, came to him and courteously welcomed him to the community. During the conversation he invited him to church services, told him how much he would enjoy the simply worship, and particularly emphasized how easy it would be for him to get acquainted if he came to Bible study. He left by saying, “I’ll be by to pick you up next Sunday at 9:15.”

And he did, bringing him to the building and introducing him to the elders, the preacher and other friends. Then he took the stranger to the proper class and told the teacher, “Take good care of him, and after I get out of my class, I’ll come and get him and sit by him during worship, and if I can render any further service, I’ll be glad to do it.”

Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor to him that had newly moved into the community?

Author Unknown