Understanding the Call to Love Without Bias
Love is a powerful force, one that knows no boundaries and excludes no one. It’s more than just a warm feeling or an abstract concept—it’s an action, a way of life, and a law for us to live by. At its core, love is meant to be free of prejudice. We can’t claim to have faith in God while showing favoritism to some and neglecting others. The Bible calls us to fulfill the “law of love,” which means we must love and value our neighbors as we love ourselves.
This principle is beautifully illustrated in the Bible through the teachings of Jesus and the stories He told. One of the most defining passages on love comes from James 2:1-9. It reminds us that we cannot truly honor God if we show partiality or treat people differently based on their race, status, background, or appearance. Instead, we are called to a higher standard: love without prejudice.
The Greatest Commandment
One day, Jesus was asked a significant and challenging question by a religious scholar: “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Without hesitation, Jesus answered that the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. But He didn’t stop there. Jesus added that the second commandment, equally important, is to love your neighbor as yourself. He explained that all the teachings of the Law and the Prophets can be summed up in these two commandments. In other words, love is the foundation of everything.
But this raises an important question: Who is our neighbor? Thankfully, Jesus gave us a clear answer through one of His most famous stories, the parable of the Good Samaritan.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
During His ministry, Jesus often used parables—simple stories with deep spiritual lessons—to help people understand profound truths. One day, a religious scholar, trying to test Jesus, asked, “What must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus responded by asking, “What does the law say?” The scholar replied correctly, saying the law requires loving God and loving one’s neighbor. But seeking to justify himself, the scholar followed up with, “Who is my neighbor?”
To answer this question, Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan:
A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers who beat him, stripped him, and left him for dead. As he lay by the side of the road, several people passed by. First, a Jewish priest—a religious leader—saw the man but chose to cross to the other side of the road to avoid him. Next came a Levite, another religious figure, who also ignored the injured man and walked away.
Finally, a Samaritan came along. Now, Samaritans and Jews didn’t get along in those days, and they often avoided each other. But this Samaritan didn’t let prejudice or social barriers stop him. He saw the injured man, had compassion for him, and acted. He bandaged the man’s wounds, used olive oil and wine to disinfect them, and placed him on his donkey. The Samaritan took the man to an inn, cared for him, and even paid the innkeeper to continue looking after the man, promising to cover any additional costs on his return.
After sharing this story, Jesus asked the scholar, “Which of the three men proved to be a neighbor to the injured man?” The scholar answered, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus then said, “Go and do the same.”
The Lesson: Love in Action
The moral of the Good Samaritan story is simple but profound: Our neighbor is not just the person who lives next door or someone we know well. It’s anyone we encounter who has a need that we have the ability to meet. Love is not about words or intentions alone; it’s about action—stepping up to help when we see someone in need, regardless of their background, race, or status.
This could mean paying for someone’s groceries when they’re short on money, helping a struggling parent calm their crying child, or simply showing kindness to a stranger. Love is about seeing people as God sees them: valuable, worthy, and deserving of care and compassion.
Why Love Without Prejudice Matters
Jesus’ call to love without prejudice is more than just a noble idea; it’s the essence of living a life that reflects God’s heart. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s concern for the poor, the oppressed, the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner. These groups were often overlooked or mistreated by society, but God calls His people to care for them.
In Mark 14:7, Jesus said, “The poor will always be with you.” This doesn’t mean poverty is unchangeable, but rather that there will always be opportunities to help those in need. Living out the gospel means actively looking for ways to serve others, especially those who are marginalized or struggling.
Practical Ways to Love Without Prejudice
How can we put this kind of love into practice in our daily lives? Here are a few simple ways:
· Be aware: Pay attention to the needs around you. Sometimes, people’s struggles aren’t obvious, so take time to listen and observe.
· Break barriers: Don’t let stereotypes, prejudices, or social norms stop you from helping someone. Love crosses all boundaries.
· Take action: When you see a need, respond. Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
· Reflect God’s heart: Show compassion, mercy, and generosity, just as God has shown to us.
Conclusion
Love excludes prejudice. It’s a command, a call, and a way of life. We cannot claim to follow God while showing favoritism or neglecting those in need. Jesus made it clear that true love knows no boundaries—it’s about seeing every person as our neighbor and doing what we can to help.
The story of the Good Samaritan reminds us that love is not just a feeling; it’s an action that requires us to step out of our comfort zones and serve others selflessly. Let’s strive to live out this kind of love in our daily lives, making the world a kinder, more compassionate place.
Blessings.
Minister A Francine Green, March 2026
afrancinegreen.com 