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Love Thy Neighbor: When Christ Comes Near
(Article adapted from sermon by Reverend Schleicher)
There are moments in the ministry and in life—when the weight of suffering is too much
to bear alone. We watch as friends bury loved ones, as communities are devastated by
floodwaters, as vulnerable people are cast aside, and we wonder: Where is God in this?
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Samaritas launched “Love Thy Neighbor” to remind us that the call to mercy is not
abstract. It is grounded in the mess of real life—in bandaging wounds, in showing up, in
making space for the suffering of others.
In God’s kingdom, grace often comes wrapped in surprise: a stranger volunteering to
teach English to refugees, a single mother adopting a child, or a family center that
provides shelter for a homeless father and his two children.
The Scandal and The Beauty of Mercy
Jesus crosses barriers we refuse to cross. He notices those we overlook. He comes
near to those we push far away.
It may mean walking with someone through grief or depression. It may mean standing
with immigrants facing deportation or advocating for the dignity of the elderly in our
communities. It may mean reminding people—that in baptism, we have been marked
not only for resurrection, but for compassion.
Serving people as an expression of Christ
The call of the “Love Thy Neighbor” campaign is not just to give, but to become—to
become people through whom Christ continues to draw near. For when we are moved
by mercy, when we cross the road toward the wounded and weary, we do not go alone.
Christ is already there. May we follow Him.
Give Today! https://www.samaritas.org/About-Samaritas/Empower-Others/Donate
Paula Love, M.A., Senior Director, Individual Engagement – Major Gifts & Planned
Giving plove@samaritas.org or (313) 308-8866
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