Jesus said, “Love your neighbor”
“And the second [commandment] is nearly as important, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)
My mother, Banny, knew how to love her neighbor, whoever that turned out to be. I remember her saying hundreds (thousands?) of times, “If I can’t do something with a free and thankful heart, I might just as well not do it at all.” Sometimes Banny saw a neighbor in someone God sent our way. Even with seven children, Banny made sure our home was open for as long as the person needed it. Banny saw neighbors at the soup kitchen. She made casseroles for the homeless with the same good ingredients she used at home. Banny also saw my dad’s mother as a neighbor. Even after Mom-Mom had both legs amputated, Banny cared for without so much as a sigh of complaint.
Why Love Our Neighbors?
Sometimes it’s easy to love a neighbor, but when it’s difficult, I remember God has loved and blessed me even when I’ve been “difficult” or have disobeyed God’s commandments. Feeling God’s unconditional love compels me to love God in return, and I live my love for God by loving my neighbors. In the Waynesboro/Augusta County area where I live, a Young Life leader started the ministry “Young Lives.” This ministry reaches out to unwed mothers and mothers–to-be, helping them be part of a diverse community that helps meet their physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs. When someone declares Jesus is Lord of their lives, the leaders rejoice with them, but making that declaration is never a pre-requisite for being loved and cared for.
How We Love Our Neighbors
In addition to unconditional love, God grants me the love and strength to show mercy and extend grace to others so God will be known, trusted, and glorified. Because of God’s grace, I can love and forgive my neighbor even when that person is wrong. I’m able to hold back an angry comment and answer with an attitude of mercy. I thank and love God because He has changed my heart toward some who have belittled and criticized me, thus freeing me to know and love them. Perhaps I am so thankful for God’s strength to love my neighbors because when I don’t stop and ask God for help, my world lacks the light, laughter, and vitality of the Source of all Life and Love.
Prayer
Lord God, help me live my love for You by loving my neighbor–whoever that is today.
A passionate reader, I began writing as a young girl. After graduating from college, I became a teacher. Over the course of my career, I taught high schoolers, college undergraduates, and public school teachers how to write personal narratives, expository and persuasive essays, as well as poetry and short fiction. I continued to write: publishing professional articles, two textbooks, short stories, and poetry. In 2013, I won first place in Romantic Suspense in the ACFW Genesis Contest.
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