“What constituted the goodness of the good Samaritan? Why will he always be an inspiring paragon of neighborly virtue? It seems the to me that this man’s goodness may be described in one word- altruism. The good Samaritan was always altruistic to the core. What is altruism? The dictionary defines altruism as ‘regard for, and devotion to, the interest of others.’ The Samaritan was good because because he made concern for others the first law of his life.” – MLK
Martin Luther King Jr. preached a sermon that profoundly communicated truths about being a good neighbor. As I read it today, I thought about “Carter Street Block Club”, our community organizing effort on our street with our neighbors. I thought about where we have come and dreamed about our future as a street. I have watched my neighbors unite, slowly coming back to the Biblical virtues rooted in their own heritage of community and love for their neighbors.
One of the projects we have been working on as a street is a garden initiative. We have small “victory style gardens” in many neighbors’ yard with the purpose of growing produce to share with each other. We have been growing collard greens, tomatoes, herbs, onions, okra, beans, etc. Presently, one of our neighbors is in the hospital. It has been humbling and encouraging for me to watch other neighbors take care of her garden in her stead. They weren’t asked, they just do it faithfully. They have taken so much pride in helping her, that between all of them they have even over watered her garden!
The Bible states the the second greatest commandment is to “love our neighbors as ourselves.” We should think long and hard about this truth. Why does Jesus put so much emphasis on being a good neighbor? How should we live by this? What would the face of our neighborhoods or even churches look like if we lived by radical “altruism” rooted in Biblical truths?
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others. In dangerous valleys and hazardous pathways, he will lift some bruised and beaten brother to a higher and more noble life.” -MLK
To view Martin Luther King’s full sermon, “On Being a Good Neighbor” click on the following link and go to chapter 3:
Posted on January 19th, 2009 by Erika
Filed under: Community Development, News, VOICE
“We must develop a dangerous kind of selflessness.”
I observe a excellent development inside your publishing, I’d adore to have in touch. Maintain the good work! Your composing is incredibly inspirational for someone who is a new comer to this kind of stuff.