LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:39
One day Jesus was approached by religious leaders and one of them was an expert in the law, and as these individuals gathered around Jesus, the expert tested Jesus by asking Him the question “which is the greatest commandment in the Law? (Matt. 22:36)”
In response, Jesus gave a short but masterful answer. Jesus summarized the totality of the Law that God had given Moses by saying in Matt. 22:37-39, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Our Lord commands us to love God and then to love our neighbor. Many times, people struggle to understand these two commands comprehensively, especially the second one to love one’s neighbor.
To love one’s neighbor encompasses, but goes far beyond, just providing shelter for the homeless, feeding the hungry, or clothing the needy. To love one’s neighbors means that we desire the very best for those around us.
For our neighbors to live the best lives they can, and for those around us to experience the height of human flourishing, one’s neighbors must align their lives with Biblical principles and standards. This means for us to truly love our LGBTQ+ neighbors and desire the best for them we must speak the truth about marriage, life, and human sexuality to them.
We must love our neighbors enough to share with them the damaging effects of living in LGBTQ+ lifestyles that are contrary to the Word of God and share with them the beauty and joy of living in line with Scriptural truth.
LET US PRAY . . .
Father, help us to love You with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Lord, empower us to love our neighbors. Lord, may we love our neighbors enough to speak Biblical truth into their lives. Lord, enable us to love our neighbors well and not be passive in our actions and deeds. Help us to love others in a way that allows us to be salt and light in our world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
