Love Thy Neighbor

Leviticus 19:9, 19:18, Matthew 5:43, 19:19, 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27,

Romans 13: 9

All of the above scripture references (ESV) have the words “love your neighbor” in them. We have read them. We have heard them preached on. We probably think about them. But, do we practice them?

There are many little things to look at when you are choosing a church for your family and or yourself. Of course, we want the Bible to be taught front and center. We want a Godly man to lead us, like a good shepherd does his flock. It’s definitely a plus when he has a wife who is a perfect fit for him and the church. You also want the governing body (deacons) to be Godly men and in good standing in the community. Oh, and you have to have a choir that makes the angels rejoice when they sing. Ok I’m kidding just a little. These are important things in the life of a Godly church. However, you can look at how the members treat each other and you know the true heart of the church. Do they great each other with hugs and handshakes? Are they glad to see one another? Are members hesitant to leave at the end of the service? Do you feel like you have been in the Presence of the Lord when the service is over? When it all boils down, do they (you) love your neighbor?

These last few weeks I have had the pleasure of being witness to and recipient of my neighbors loving me and having the opportunity to love my neighbors back. When the “unofficial Door Dash” team shows up with supper and hot drinks because you’re sick, that is loving your neighbor. When you have a member, who has had to be homebound due to an illness and you go stand in their yard to sing Christmas carols, that is loving your neighbor. When your driveway is like a washboard and your friend shows up in the rain with tractor and scrape blade, that is loving your neighbor. When someone in the community passes away, with very little family, and their church makes sure they have a proper burial, that is loving your neighbor. When your phone blows up with calls and text messages checking on you, that is loving your neighbor. When a little 4-year-old child of a friend tells you, “I love you Ms. Sara”, that is loving your neighbor. When you are stopped in a random place to chat with your mail carrier, that is loving your neighbor. When you are handed an amaryllis bulb because they know you love making flowers grow, that is loving your neighbor. This list can go on and on and on and this time of year especially makes you think about it more often. Let’s not just think about it. Let’s do something to show that you love your neighbor. And when you have a church that ‘loves their neighbor”, you have a Godly church that glorifies God. When you are a member of that church you get to be loved not just as a neighbor but as family. the family of God.

Please feel free to leave your own examples of Loving your neighbor or you being loved by your neighbor in the comments section.