One of my mentors recently reminded me that the role of a leader is to both point out the obstacles, and to point the way through them. There are many obstacles to making Salem the healthiest community in all of Oregon. Combine those obstacles with tension and violence in our country and the world, and it can seem hard to find a way through. Lately, I have been drawn to a well-known story about Jesus and an expert in the law which contains both obstacles and a way through.
The expert approaches Jesus and asks about living the best life possible. Jesus asks him to share his own conclusion, and he does by saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” This is the correct answer. Jesus then says: “Do this and you will live.” This could have been the end of the conversation. After all, the expert had answered correctly, but he then asked, “Who is my neighbor?”
In response, Jesus tells a story about a Jewish man traveling from Jerusalem back to Jericho who suffers a violent attack which leaves him half dead. Two men traveling to Jerusalem, identified as Jewish religious leaders, see the man and pass by. These men had what they considered to be good reasons to pass by. Then comes a third traveler, identified as a Samaritan – a known enemy of the Jewish people. The Samaritan also had what he considered to be good reasons to pass by. However, he is moved by compassion and approaches the man, treats and bandages his wounds, and transports him to an inn where he takes care of him. The next day the Samaritan pays the innkeeper to provide care for the man for two days and commits to pay for more days if needed.
At the conclusion of the story Jesus asks the expert, “Which of the three acted like a neighbor?” The expert answers: “The one who showed mercy.” (Notice that the expert did not say “the Samaritan.” Most likely because they were a group of people who were ethnically, culturally and theologically different from him.)
Jesus says: “Go and do likewise.”
Jesus positions the Samaritan, an enemy, as the example of how to love your neighbor.
Likewise, Jesus invites us to love our enemies because limiting our love to people who look, think and act just like us is not enough. This is both the obstacle, and the way through.
For the Shalom of the City,
Kyle Dickinson
Executive Director, SLF
From SLF Partner, Matt Ingalls, Pastor of Oak Park Church
I cannot imagine the last six years without SLF! No organization has helped our church more. When our church was discerning how best to love our unhoused neighbors, SLF was there to brainstorm, problem-solve, and pray. Three years later we are operating a weekly resource hub that serves more than 100 guests, and SLF is still offering us unceasing aid and encouragement.
Through difficult times and adventurous times, we have benefited deeply from their encouragement, kindness, generosity, expertise, and wisdom. As if that is not enough, they have helped us connect with so many other people of faith and goodwill in this wonderful city of ours. Our church is not just stronger because of SLF, we are better equipped to love our neighborhood–and not do it alone.
Pictured Below: A group of local pastors who participate in SLF’s Preaching Peace meeting. Matt is the second from the rightmost end.
