You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39
Loving my neighbor can be hard, especially when Jesus tells me who that is (hint – everyone). But He also taught us the way to do it – “as yourself.” Some would teach that means as much as yourself. I don’t disagree. But there is another perspective. That phrase can also be rendered, “who is like yourself.”
Love your neighbor …
… who has the same predisposition to sin as you. Love him because he has the same weaknesses, frailties, selfish desires and self-centeredness. The hard to love become a little less so when I realize I am just like him.
Love your neighbor …
… who is also made in God’s image. God’s sacrificial love was poured out for him as it was for me. Love your difficult neighbor because, like you, he carries the dignity of God’s reflection.
Do you think you have nothing to offer that person who seems to have it more together than you? Your neighbor needs you – needs your loving act – because he is as weak and frail as you are.
Is there someone hard to love because of his choices - choices you would never make? Do you think you are maybe a little better? Think again. Love your neighbor because he is an image bearer of God.
Your neighbor needs mercy and forgiveness when he hurts you, because he is like you. We can pour out God’s love – because we, too, have needed undeserved compassion – and received it.
Lord, help me love my neighbor – for he is like me.
We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
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