Matthew 22:39 (KJV)
And the second is like, unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
Jesus, answering the Pharisees, commanded them to love their neighbor as themselves. He summarized the other nine commandments as loving our neighbor as ourselves. The Scriptures also make it very clear that love is revealed through action, especially what we do in the interest of others. Love is the greatest commandment on earth. The Bible offers us an understanding of the source, character, and value of love based on the nature and actions of God. It teaches that God is the source of love, and His very character is love. The Bible says in 1 John 4:7, “love comes from God and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” In other words, love is a fundamental characteristic of who God is. Everything God does is driven and influenced by His love (John 3:16). 1 John 5:2 says, “By this, we know that we love the children of God when we love God and keep his commandments.” We cannot claim to love God if we do not have His commandments in our hearts. Therefore, our obedience to His commandments shows us if we love Him. Love is selfless and patient and keeps us in the service of the Lord without considering selfish interests. Love makes us identify with the challenges of our brethren without attempting to brag about it. Love makes us do the unusual and go the extra mile.
The importance of love and compassion towards others reflect the core values of Christianity. This call to love is not merely a recommendation but a profound directive that shapes our relationships and interactions. It’s easy to love those who are kind to us, but the true test of love is extending it to those who may not reciprocate. When we truly love our neighbors, we stand firm in our commitment to honesty. We won’t lie to or about them, cheat them, or betray their trust. We reject the idea of harming them, harboring hatred, or entertaining negative thoughts about them. Love compels us to treat our neighbors with the dignity and respect they deserve. We cannot claim to be walking in love when we defile our neighbor’s daughter or son. We will avoid envy, hatred, pride, selfishness, or wickedness if we love. Love will not allow us to do anything that hurts others. There is a troubling trend where individuals engage in deceit and harmful behaviors towards others. Gossip and talebearing have become all too common, leading to the destruction of families and communities. The collateral damage from these actions is often immeasurable. Tragically, some have taken their own lives due to the callousness of those around them. It is crucial that we recognize the serious impact of these actions and strive for a more compassionate and truthful approach in our lives. Matthew 18:7 says, “Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” Love towards our neighbors is evidence of our love for God, so let the love of God fill our hearts. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Beloved, as God has loved you as His own, LOVE others and live with the consideration of the feelings and welfare of others. Be conscious of the impact of your actions on others; imagine yourself in others’ shoes. Treat everyone impartially like your own and love as much as you live. Be kind, love more, and not try to be clever in your own eyes, for you do not know what tomorrow holds for you. Loving others does not mean agreeing with everything they say or do, nor does it mean acting in ways that always gain their approval. Today, have the heart of God to love others as yourself, knowing that you are a sojourner on this earth. Love naturally flows from within when the self is fully united with Christ. The essence of true Christian character is realized when the desire to help and uplift others arises consistently from your heart—when the warmth of heaven illuminates your spirit and shines through your demeanor. If you love God because He first loved you, your love will extend to all for whom Christ gave His life. Be a beacon of love and kindness in all your relationships. Remember, embracing God’s love is the key to loving others, and whatever will hurt you or be painful to you will also hurt or be painful to others.
O Lord, thank You for Your Word. I humbly ask for Your forgiveness if I have not loved my neighbor as myself in Jesus’ Name.