Love Thy Neighbor!

In the Book of James, we are taught about relationships. In James 2:8, the Bible commands: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” This is known as the “royal law” from our Lord (Matthew 22:37-40). If we lived by this truth, there would be no relationship problems in our lives.

Love is the source where our attitudes toward other people should emerge. We should treat others as God expects from us. We should never put ourselves above others, especially in the area of selfishness. Today people live to climb as high as they can against corporate ladders, but success in this life should be measured by lifting and encouraging those around us.

An excellent example of how we should love our neighbors is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud, or rude. It does not demand its way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

If we truly love our neighbors, we will share the good news of the gospel with them. God’s Love is demonstrated in us as we share this precious gospel and love others as our Lord has loved us. Let us love one another and show the very mercy that we expect our Lord to give us when we are in His presence.  Amen!