Block Bustin’.

Scripture:
"But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-37 (NIV)

Application:
In the Good Samaritan parable, the legalist had an ulterior motive in asking that sly question.

He didn’t want to reach out of his zip-coded comfort  zone.

To the legalist, if he merely helped people who were in his small social circle, and perhaps only those who looked like him, he would be justified.  We need to stop trying to justify ourselves and allow God to expand our neighborhoods.

That’s called “holy block busting.”

Prayer:
Dear God, I’m praying that I’ll not only be empowered, but also emboldened, to reach out of my comfort zone and extend Christian love and charity to others. My “neighborhood" needs to expand, and I'm praying You’ll break down those barriers that keep me in and others out.