Week 1 | Day 4 | Love Your Neighbor

Command:

Go and do likewise. Luke 10:25-37

Read:

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV)

Reflect:

Mary has a natural ability to care for others. In fact, her job is to care for people that are nearing the end of their life. She gives tirelessly of her time and talent. When necessary, she will spend long stretches of time with her patients, just to make sure they are not alone. In many cases, she has been with her clients when they have taken their last breath. The family members are so grateful to her for providing love, care, dignity, and companionship in the last stages of their loved one’s life.

As a friend, she displays the same qualities. She wants to make sure everyone is comfortable, happy, and well fed. She offers to watch the children of family members, just to give them a break. It is her God given talent to be compassionate and caring. 

When I think of Mary, I think of God’s commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” She is living this out in her daily walk. Her ability to care for those that are ill and dying is a special gift. We don’t all have this gift, but there are small things we can do. Taking the time to talk and listen to our neighbors, shows them that we care. We can call or text a friend that is going through a rough time. Providing a meal to an exhausted family that has just brought home a newborn, can be such a welcome relief. There is no limit to the creative ways we can show love to each other. 

React:

Think of the people in your life. Is there someone that is in need of your attention? Can you give them some comfort through your words, deeds, or actions? Try to schedule a phone call, coffee chat, or just a simple text to let them know you are thinking about them.

Pray:

Jesus, help me to follow your commandment to love my neighbors. Open my eyes for opportunities to connect and be a witness to your word. Thank you for being a loving God!