My neighbor is who? Theologians have debated the answer to this topic throughout history. Both theologians and laypeople are debating the same issue today. Many people search the Bible for the most creative answers in their search for the correct one. These responses are frequently not straightforward and are often somewhat intricate in an attempt to avoid the biblical text’s clear meaning in favor of a personal interpretation that advances their self-righteous goals.
The solutions to this question are different. Some define “neighbor” as “your closest family,” while others expand it to include “your people” or “those belonging to your race.” Some argue that the tale of the good Samaritan is intended to teach that someone can only be your neighbor if you, like the Samaritan, have the ability to do good. When you, like the priest or the Levite, lack the means to do good, you are free from obligation; you may look the other way and walk away.
Biblical Litmus Test
The litmus test is used in science to discern between acids and alkalis, therefore we should apply the “biblical litmus test” to discover misinterpretations of the biblical text. This test is best described by the well-known Latin expression “Scriptura sacra sui ipsius interpres” (Scripture interprets itself). The late Dr. R.C. Sproul emphasizes, “We must be careful to read the Bible holistically. We should not read the text in ways that contradict meanings drawn elsewhere in the Bible. The Bible interprets the Bible, and the Holy Spirit is His own interpreter.
The test for our replies should not be how impressively we can stretch the biblical text into unthinkable situations. The criteria for the veracity of our replies is considerably simpler: is our interpretation agree with all of Scripture?
In this essay, the Ten Commandments will be used as a litmus test to compare the many interpretations of who should be considered our neighbor. It will also serve as a beginning point for a definition of “neighbor” that is consistent with all Scripture.
Two Tables of the Law
According to Matthew 22:34-40, an expert in the law questioned Jesus by asking him, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (Matt. 22:36). Jesus responded, “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. The second commandment is similar: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).
Whoever claiming to love God should love their neighbor
Christians all agree that this summarizes the Ten Commandments: love God and love your neighbor (see also Heidelberg Catechism 93). At their essence, the Ten Commandments are all about loving God and your neighbor. These two features are so linked that the first is necessary for the second. Whoever claiming to love God should love their neighbor (cf. 1 John 4:7-11).
The exhortation to love our neighbor, therefore, is not ambiguous. It is inextricably linked to the Ten Commandments. On the contrary, the Ten Commandments define and lead the commandment to love one’s neighbor. These commandments clearly define the “how” of neighborly love. When we understand this truth, any confusion regarding “who” my neighbor is vanishes.
Love and Neighbor Defined
The Ten Commandments define the love we owe to our neighbors as follows:
- Neighborly love does not hide the truth about the one, real God from others, but rather proclaims openly.
- Neighborly love does not project misleading images of God onto people.
- Neighborly love uses God’s name with reverence in the presence of others so they too can be struck by awe for His holiness.
- Neighborly love prevents me from being a stumbling block for others toward observance of the Lord’s Day.
- Neighborly love respects the authority God has bestowed upon my neighbor.
- Neighborly love protects and values the lives of others.
- Neighborly love does not undermine marital love, nor does it impinge on the relationships of others.
- Neighborly love takes nothing away from anyone while protecting everyone’s possessions.
- Neighborly love is truthful to everybody, with no partiality.
- Neighborly love prevents egotistical impulses that damage others.
When I do these things to others, I demonstrate neighborly love. As in mathematics, the inverse of an equation should also be true. Anyone to whom I then demonstrate this love, as instructed by God, is deemed my neighbor. Thus, the Ten Commandments define “who” my neighbor is. According to this view, we can even love our adversaries (see Luke 6:27).
With this biblical meaning of “neighbor,” all other definitions will almost certainly fail the biblical litmus test, as they all restrict neighborly love to specific groups or individuals.
Was Natural Affinity Lifted?
So, what about our inborn kinship? This biblical concept does not negate or disregard our God-given natural affinity, because God created us inside natural societal institutions such as family, people, and ethnic groups. Within these societal structures, the criterion of “who” of neighborly love is predominantly met. However, this definition is not restricted to these institutions or our inherent inclinations. As a family, we live among other families, and as a people or ethnic group, we live among other people and ethnic groups. Although some neighbors are closer than others (cf. Gal. 6:10), this does not imply that those who are further away are any less of a neighbor. Our commitment to obey the Ten Commandments extends to others who are further away.
