The Best Relationships are Inconvenient

Why would a relationship be inconvenient? If that significant person calls, your heart tells you you must respond. You know that he has been there for you and you must be there for him. Trivial responses such as "we're doing fine" won't do for a question about your family. And even more so, an "I'll pray for you" won't do when your friend needs help.

What is the secret ingredient that calls for this higher level of action? It cannot be merely obligation. We've already established that we are selfish and self-centered. Obligations are easily pushed aside when things get inconvenient.

You've already guessed it. It is love. More than one prophet said, and clearly God in the flesh said, "Love your Neighbor." Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan and wrapped it up by asking his audience, "Who was the neighbor to this man?" The answer was, the Good Samaritan. What was the original discussion that led to this story? Jesus had said, "Love your Neighbor." Someone in the crowd asked, "Who is my Neighbor?"

Picture yourself then, as the man robbed, beaten and left for dead on the roadside. A person from another culture, who your family has told you not to love, is the only one who helps you. And his help is very inconvenient. Once you've recovered, how will you respond?

NOW...
Picture yourself going down the road and finding a person from another culture, a person who your family has told you is untrustworthy, unkind, unclean. The person has been beaten, robbed and left for dead. You have a choice. This is going to be inconvenient.