August 16, 2004

[Rev. Doc]

Neighbors

"But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
Luke 10:29

We see them each day. But do we actually see who our neighbors are or the needs in their lives?

Catherine Booth was the "mother" of the Salvation Army. "Wherever Catherine Booth went," said Campbell Morgan, "humanity went to hear her. Princes and peeresses merged with paupers and prostitutes."

One night, Morgan shared in a meeting with Mrs. Booth; and a great crowd of "publicans and sinners" was there. Her message brought many to Christ. After the meeting, Morgan and Mrs. Booth went to be entertained at a fine home; and the lady of the manor said, "My dear Mrs. Booth, that meeting was dreadful"

"What do you mean, dearie?" asked Mrs. Booth.

"Oh, when you were speaking, I was looking at those people opposite to me. Their faces were so terrible, many of them. I don't think I shall sleep tonight!"

"Why, dearie, don't you know them?" Mrs. Booth asked; and the hostess replied, "Certainly not!"

"Well, that is interesting," Mrs. Booth said. "I did not bring them with me from London; they are your neighbors!"

Prayer: Ask God to open your physical and spiritual eyes to actually see your neighbors and their needs.

"If you want your neighbor to know what the Christ spirit will do for him, let him see what it has done for you." ~Henry Ward Beecher