We find in the New Testament, Jesus telling the parable of the Good Samaritan and are introduced to the “Golden Rule”. We all know what the Golden Rule is “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” So, think about that Golden Rule. How quick are we to judge others? How quick are we to gossip about our coworkers? How easy is the temptation to “just not like her”?
Loving Your Neighbor
I know we all have those “people” that just get the best of us. No matter how hard we try, they just really get under our skin and we just prefer to not have her in “our circle”. Have you ever thought that the same God that made this world, thought the world needed “that person” as well? He even thought this world needed one of you!
The Message translation of Mark 12:31 states, “And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.”
So, are you loving your neighbor as much as you love yourself? Or maybe you are wondering who your neighbors are.
Who Are Our Neighbors?
Friends let me share with you, our neighbors are not only the Smith’s that live in the two-story house at the end of our lane. Our neighbors can be anyone, no matter what race, sex, religion, or political party they associate with. We are one body of Christ and are ALL neighbors. We need to pick up our crosses and love just as Jesus loved.
It is a reality that we will face neighbors who dislike us and are hard to get along with. But just remind yourself, there is a purpose for that person. You may not be able to see it, but God created us all in unique ways to carry out His love to our neighbors.
God is Love
God IS love and He loves us. We know that in our minds, but often we don’t live that way. But the reality of God’s love surrounds us day by day, as revealed in these inspiring Bible verses about God’s love below. We learn that…
- God’s love is steadfast and unchanging
- God’s love comforts us
- God’s love is revealed to us through Jesus Christ
- God’s love is poured into us through the Holy Spirit.
- God’s love compels us to love one another
Sisters, love just as God would love. Be accepting of our neighbors. Encourage them. Lift them up. Fight for them in every way you can. And see them for the purpose God created them for.
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