Love Your Neighbor.

Love your neighbor... who exactly is my neighbor?

Today, with the Christian Fellowship at my school, we volunteered at Oasis - which is a drop-in center for either the homeless or those simply in need. It provides a meal, clothing, food items and other facilities. It's a non-governmental organization with Christian values, and... essentially, they receieve little to no funding from the government. Basically, all they run on is donations, and of course the love of God.

It was an interesting experience, to have converations with strangers, who surprisingly weren't that different from me. I have to admit, I was taken aback, considering some of the deep and thoughftul conversations I had with some of them. Because these days, it's hard to just have a good conversation with someone, which excludes discussion on pop-culture and media-influences. I had a good talk about politics and globalization and also another conversation discussing some problems with the church and the general social view of looking down on homeless people, or people who utilize such drop-in centers. Anyway, it was good to be revealed to such things in the community, considering its so close to home. I hope it was a rewarding and eye-opening experience for the other volunteers...

It's funny, a guy today said something like "If Jesus was present in this age... where would he be?" I thought about it... and replied, "Here." Jesus would most likely be helping the poor and needy, for he was not concerned in receiving approval from the Pharisees and Jewish leaders. I'm not saying, okay all Christians HAVE to go and help the poor, but if you think about it, we barely do anything to help our NEIGHBORS. (our neighbors aren't just the selected individuals we choose and call our friends and family... right??)

Alright. Last point: in class, we discussed being aids to other nations in need. Some girl commented to the topic and what she said disturbed me. "We should just help countries that will benefit us. Why should we help those who cannot help us?" What kind of an absurd remark is this? Are you human? Do you have any moral conscience whatsoever? Or is this world really dog-eat-dog, or every man for himself? If so... I beg to question the meaning of human existence. AH! I'm not the most selfless person to exist on this planet, I know I'm not. But to dismiss helping other countries and nations , and essentialy fellow human beings, I really cannot understand. Before I become even more annoyed and frustrated, I'm going to go finish reading my law case... of course, on the issues of racial classification and discrimination. Oh the injustices of this world... I need not say no more.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. - Luke 10:27