Biblical Basis for Mentoring

A Biblical Basis for Mentoring: Church Members as Mentors

At the end of the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25 - 37), Jesus asks, "Who was a neighbor to the man?"

The teacher of the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."

Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Who are our neighbors today? How are we to respond to them with mercy?

Jesus calls us to an active love for the poor, hurting and homeless in our communities. These neighbors include homeless and at-risk single mothers and their children, one of the most vulnerable groups in America today.

In his earthly life, Jesus exemplified love for the poor and hurting. This kind of love is costly because it calls us to sacrificial living and unselfish loving without expecting anything in return.

But as communities of faith who have experienced Jesus' love, churches are places where love and nurture are natural responses to those who are hurting. In fact, there is no better place to care for homeless families than in this atmosphere of support and love. There is no better place than a church for a homeless family to be loved, cared for and restored to wholeness.

The body of Christ - the Church - can and must be a source of healing and wholeness for the homeless, our neighbors.