We have our reservations when it comes to loving everybody. Jesus once had a conversation about this very topic with a teacher of the law. Discussing the specifics of loving God and particularly our neighbors, a teacher of the law spoke up and asked Jesus: “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus then told a story of an unnamed person who got mugged and left on the road to die. After a Priest and a Levite had passed by and conveniently ignored the victim, a despised Samaritan finally came to his rescue.

At the end of the story Jesus answered the law expert’s question with a question of His own (Luke 10:36-37):

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

According to Jesus’s story, a person who loves saves life. Love is the only answer to every problem on earth.

Love brings life. Families are physical reminders of that. God created us affectionate and capable of love, but He also knew we would make decisions that would hurt us and Him. He created us anyway. Apparently, the joy of our love outweighs the pain. We know from our own experience how love can hurt us – still, it’s all worth it according to our Creator.

So, we continue to love, even though it is difficult sometimes. Looking to Jesus, we learn from the best. His love honors and respects people regardless of status, gender and tribe. Jesus loves humans indiscriminately, always has, and always will; and His followers live by His example.