Jesus is asked a question about what it means to follow the law of God. The law says to love God and to love your neighbor. But who is our neighbor? To answer this question, Jesus tells a story about a man who is beaten and left for dead. As the story continues, Jesus breaks a massive, ancient, near eastern racial barrier between Jews and Samaritans. This story is a parable that we all find ourselves in. Will we be the ones who loves beyond what is required?

If we live the life of a believer as Jesus instructs us in the Beatitudes we are promised two things; 1)we will be blessed, and 2) we will be persecuted. However, those persecuted for His sake will receive a reward both in their current earthly life and also in eternity.

As a true follower of Christ, Jesus says if we desire to be blessed we must be Peacemakers in the world in which we live. The only way you can be a peacemaker with our family, neighbors and nations is to accept that God must first make peace with you. Blessed are the peacemakers.