One day a lawyer came to test the Lord,
"Who is my neighbor?" was his pressing word.
So Jesus told a story, short and plain,
Of mercy walking down a dusty lane.
A man set out on the road to Jericho,
Beneath the burning heat of the midday glow,
When robbers fell upon him on the way,
And beat him, stripped him, left him where he lay.
A priest came down the road and saw his need;
He crossed to the far side and paid no heed.
A Levite came and looked but would not stay;
Both men had seen the broken, walked away.
But one man came, despised by all, who found
The wounded stranger bleeding on the ground.
He bound his wounds with oil and wine so pure,
And bore him to an inn to find his cure.
Then Jesus asked, "Which man was neighbor there?"
The lawyer answered, "One who showed true care."
"Then go," said Jesus, "love them all the same —
For every broken stranger bears a name."
Go and do the same as he who stayed,
Who stopped beside the broken, unafraid.
Love your neighbor — this is the call;
Show the mercy meant for one and all.